West Ham face a crucial test this weekend against Southampton, a side they sit just one point and one place above in the fight to avoid relegation from the Premier League.
On the back of three consecutive defeats prior to the international break, the Hammers have a lot of work to do to get fans back on side after the shambolic performance against Burnley that led to mass protests and tempers boiling over in the stands.
Unfortunately, the Hammer are at risk of being without influential midfielder Manuel Lanzini this weekend and Claret & Hugh state that opens the door for loanee Joao Mario to have a final chance of making an impression.
Signed on-loan from Inter Milan in January, the Portuguese international has struggled to catch the eye since his move and the likelihood of the experienced midfielder earning a permanent switch to the London Stadium looks increasingly unlikely.
With Cheikhou Kouyate also set to make a return, Mario faces a further fight for first-team appearances in the remaining months of the season.
