West Ham captain Mark Noble could lose his starting berth under Manuel Pellegrini after just two games of the season, according to the Daily Mail.
The newspaper claim that Pellegrini has identified a lack of mobility in midfield as a major issue for the Hammers, with the Chilean seeking to add more dynamism and pace into that area.
The Mail report that Pellegrini is mulling over the introduction of either Carlos Sanchez or Pedro Obiang against Arsenal this weekend, with mainstay Noble the likeliest to lose his place.
OPINION
It is hardly a surprise to hear that Noble could be dropped against Arsenal after two poor performances from the Hammers talisman to start the season. The veteran midfielder has looked slow and off the pace against both Liverpool and Bournemouth, and there is a clear need to add more legs into the centre of midfield. An accomplished display from Jack Wilshere against the Cherries means he is unlikely to be axed, and that leaves Pellegrini with just Noble to leave out. The introduction of Sanchez or Obiang should make a difference, with the Hammers previously struggling to keep pace with proceedings in the middle of the park. Another tough test awaits in the form of Arsenal, who are another team looking for their first points of the season this weekend. The Gunners will be raring to go and well up for the challenge at the Emirates on Saturday, and Pellegrini may well find himself winless after three games as Hammers boss if he does not get his team selection right on the day.
