Nuno Espirito Santo has two big selection dilemmas for West Ham’s crunch clash with Everton after the frustrating draw with Palace.
The Hammers missed a massive opportunity to increase the gap on relegation rivals Spurs to four points when they drew 0-0 with a distracted and understrength Crystal Palace on Monday night.
Now nerves are jangling as West Ham face a tough game against David Moyes’ European hopefuls Everton.
Many are predicting Moyes will show the Hammers what they’re missing – and the match feels all the more ominous given the Scot also celebrates his birthday as he returns to London Stadium.
Nuno could make two West Ham changes for Everton
With Spurs expected to win at already relegated Wolves, West Ham are under pressure to match that result against the Toffees.
And that gives Nuno Espirito Santo two major selection dilemmas for the Everton clash off the back of Monday night’s underwhelming point at Palace.
Can you spot anything interesting in West Ham’s pre-Everton training session?
Skip ahead to 5:46 to see Mavropanos' stunner…
Jamie Carragher said West Ham would see it as a good point when the dust settles.
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But that will only be the case if the Hammers can win at home against Moyes’ men.
Nuno Espirito Santo and David Moyes look deep in thought as West Ham take on Everton
Photo by DARREN STAPLES/AFP via Getty Images
A number of players were hugely disappointing at Selhurst Park – not least captain Jarrod Bowen, and forwards Pablo and Valentin ‘Taty’ Castellanos.
Nuno also angered supporters with his negative second half tactics as West Ham sat back happy to pick up a point.
The continued selection of Kyle Walker-Peters at right-back shows Nuno is opting for solid over attacking given Aaron Wan-Bissaka offers so much more going forward.
That shone through in the Portuguese’s reluctance to make substitutions.
Wan-Bissaka and Wilson back in Hammers starting XI for sticky Toffees?
Nuno used just two of his allocated five changes despite having a fully fit squad and Palace being there for the taking with more than one eye on a European semi-final and several key players missing.
Those changes came late in the game too.
West Ham forward Pablo looks dejected
Photo by Rob Newell – CameraSport via Getty Images
Now Nuno faces a stick or twist dilemma that could go a long way to deciding West Ham’s Premier League fate.
Does Nuno go out on his sword or his shield?
Does the manager step in and make changes given a dip in performances among certain players at such a crucial time?
We think Nuno is pondering bringing Wan-Bissaka back into the starting XI to help deal with Everton dangerman Iliman Ndiaye.
Does Nuno go out on his sword or shield with West Ham tactics?
Wan-Bissaka is statistically far and away the best one-vs-one defender in the Premier League and if ever there was a game that is needed, it is against Everton and Ndiaye.
Walker-Peters has done a fine job defensively but lacks Wan-Bissaka’s ability in attack.
Another change we believe is being seriously considered by Nuno is up front.
Pablo and Taty work hard but lack any real quality or goal threat, particularly the former who has a barely registered a shot since joining the club let alone a goal.
That cannot continue if West Ham want to stay in the division.
Callum Wilson is hands down West Ham’s best finisher and Nuno will be giving deep thought to bringing him into the starting XI in Pablo’s place.
There may even be a call to make on Taty given how poor he was at Palace.
Nuno really rates midfield powerhouse Mohamadou Kante and could bring him into the engine room to allow Mateus Fernandes more licence to get forward.
Predicted West Ham starting XI to face Everton:
Hemansen, Wan-Bissaka, Mavropanos, Disasi, Diouf, Soucek, Fernandes, Summerville, Bowen, Taty, Wilson.
Official teams will be announced at 1.45pm.
In other big news ahead of the crunch clash, Moyes has aimed a brutal dig at West Ham’s owners and fans.
Meanwhile, Tomas Soucek believes West Ham have one major survival advantage over Tottenham going into the run-in.
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