Opinion from the stands

Pellegrini must start Snodgrass v Bournemouth

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Image for Pellegrini must start Snodgrass v Bournemouth

OPINION

It is difficult to point out one of West Ham United’s strengths in yesterday’s 4-0 loss to Liverpool, so it is vital boss Manuel Pellegrini switches things up in order to achieve a positive result against Bournemouth this weekend.

The Hammers need to register some points on the board after suffering a heavy defeat in their season opener, and for that to happen, some changes need to be made in the attacking midfield.

There is no doubt that Pellegrini will stick with club record signing Felipe Anderson in the attack, as he needs time to adjust to the demands of the Premier League – but one player he must axe for this weekend’s match is Antonio.

He did not make a major contribution to the game in any form, which is why Pellegrini must consider starting Robert Snodgrass to start against the Cherries instead.

The 30-year-old may not have been able to salvage something from the game, but the right-sided attacker worked a lot harder for the team than Antonio did.

Fans even took to Twitter to say that he is worth a start based on his short stint yesterday, despite the fact the Hammers have splashed the cash on attacking talent this summer.

He may have been out-of-favour last season – he spent the campaign on loan at Aston Villa – but giving him a shot at the first team this weekend could bring his form back.

The Scotland international netted eight goals whilst playing for Villa in the Championship last season, which is a promising statistic for a wide midfield player – and that is a figure he is more than capable of improving on this season for the Irons.

It may be a risk to start the ex-Championship ace, but Pellegrini must give Snodgrass the opportunity to revive his Premier League career for the club.

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