West Ham United face a crucial battle against fellow relegation candidates Burnley this weekend in a potentially season-defining clash, with the east Londoners looking to pull off a great escape.
Simultaneously, Leeds battle Nottingham Forest in a match that is just as imperative for Nuno Espírito Santo's side.
West Ham United manager Nuno Espirito Santo before the match
Any victor in that clash would be propelled miles clear of the drop zone and West Ham, so absolutely nothing but a win will do against Scott Parker's Burnley, who signed Nuno outcast James Ward-Prowse in January to help with their own relegation battle.
The Hammers made some signings of their own last month, one of the most notable being Chelsea defender Axel Disasi on a deadline day loan deal.
The Frenchman hasn't made a single competitive appearance since April last year after being frozen out by ex-Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca, with Disasi banished to training at youth level across London.
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The Dutchman has been on fire lately.
Now, he's been given a fresh start by West Ham, with Nuno singing the 26-year-old's praises in his pre-Burnley press conference.
"He’s been working hard, and he’s in a good place physically. You can see he’s been working hard at Chelsea," Nuno told reporters.
"Of course, he now has to get himself in the team, and get to know his teammates, but I think he can help us. He’s a strong defender, he’s good on the ball, and he’s a good option for us."
However, while Nuno's message is an encouraging one, an inside source at Chelsea has now made a contradictory claim about Disasi.
Insider contradicts Nuno with worrying West Ham claim about Axel Disasi
Speaking to insider Claret & Hugh, a Cobham source with knowledge about Disasi's fitness level claims that the ex-Monaco man could actually take weeks to get up to speed.
Axel-Disasi
"Disasi was freely on offer to everyone, but no one wanted him because his fitness levels were so low," said the insider.
"Clubs that were interested felt he would take four to six full games to get up to the level needed.
“So in effect, he needs a proper pre-season.
“Tomorrow will tell you the manager’s judgement. Burnley are not exactly going to put you under constant pressure, so if Nuno doesn’t start him, it will tell you the player isn’t ready yet.”
Burnley hardly represent the most fearsome attacking proposition in the Premier League, sitting rock-bottom of the table with the division's joint-third worst goalscoring record.
If Nuno opts against starting Disasi, it would confirm the manager harbors serious doubts about his readiness.
West Ham needed a defender capable of walking straight into the starting eleven and providing immediate defensive stability.
Instead, they've potentially landed themselves with a passenger who won't hit peak physical condition until the season reaches its decisive final stages.
If Nuno leaves Disasi benched against Burnley tomorrow afternoon, supporters will have their answer regarding just how serious these fitness concerns really are.
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He's left in the final hours.