By Conor Hogan
**West Ham play Burnley at Turf Moor on Saturday in a crucial Premier League clash.** **Nuno has a huge decision to make in the centre of defence.**
Both sides find themselves in the relegation zone, with the Hammers currently in 18th place, six points from safety.
Nuno Espírito Santo’s side should fancy themselves against the Clarets after some encouraging displays in recent weeks, but they face a dilemma at centre-back after last weekend’s loss at Chelsea.
Defender Jean-Clair Todibo was sent off in second-half stoppage-time at Stamford Bridge after laying hands on João Pedro – and although it was encouraging to see Nuno’s players show some passion and bite against the Blues, Todibo’s actions mean he will miss the game this weekend.
The Frenchman has been one of West Ham’s best performers in recent months, and has been key in games where the Hammers have picked up points.
In contrast, deputy centre-back Max Kilman has been arguably the Irons’ worst player this campaign, looking a liability whenever he has played. But it looks like the former Wolves man will start on Saturday in the absence of Todibo, much to the concern of the West Ham faithful.
However, the Irons have recently acquired a new centre-back that could solve this problem. Axel Disasi signed on loan from Chelsea on Monday’s January transfer deadline day, training with Nuno’s squad during the week. He should be available for the trip to Turf Moor.
Disasi, who has played at Champions League and international level, could provide an effective alternative in the absence of Todibo. The 27-year-old is dominant in the air, has a point to prove and well… he isn’t Max Kilman.
Starting the former Monaco defender over Kilman should be a no-brainer for Nuno. But starting the Disasi on Saturday would pose a risk for the Hammers’ boss.
Disasi has only played three games this season – all of which have been for Chelsea’s U21 side. He hasn’t played a Premier League game since April, during his loan spell at Aston Villa.
Even then he played at right-back in the game, and it has been even longer since the Frenchman played a league game at centre-back.
As poor as Kilman has been this season, starting Disasi from the off could be a mistake. He hasn’t played a first-team game in so long that he would likely lack match sharpness and could be prone to a mistake.
If Disasi has a disastrous start to life at West Ham, it could set him on the wrong foot and ruin his confidence. Despite Kilman’s shortcomings, Nuno may be better off selecting the Englishman and giving Disasi half an hour, so that he isn’t immediately thrown in at the deep end.
Saturday’s game is vital for the Irons, and if Disasi starts, he might prove to be a solid deputy to Todibo. However, his lack of recent game time could also hinder the Hammers at Turf Moor – and if not managed correctly, it could damage Disasi himself.