OPINION
Left-back has been a position of huge contention at West Ham this season, with Arthur Masuaku and Aaron Cresswell vying for that position under Manuel Pellegrini.
Neither player has managed to impress enough to nail down a starting spot, although Masuaku has been Pellegrini’s preferred option so far.
The main issue has been a lack of defensive solidity from either player, with both failing to show that they can offer a dependable option for Pellegrini on the left flank.
Despite Masuaku’s dominance of the starting spot so far, Cresswell put in a really promising display during their 3-0 win over Newcastle on Saturday to give Pellegrini a major headache.
Cresswell was actually forced off with an unfortunately timed injury during that game, but Masuaku’s horrific cameo when he came on actually strengthened the three-time England international’s case to start more regularly.
The Hammers are now preparing to face Cardiff City at the London Stadium on Tuesday, with Cresswell doubtful due to that hamstring complaint he picked up at the weekend, as reported on the club’s official website.
Cresswell will undergo a late fitness test, but the likelihood of him being risked is low, meaning another start is likely to come for Masuaku.
Things have however changed for the DR Congo international after Cresswell’s weekend display, and you feel as though he now has one game to save his starting spot.
Should he put in another poor performance then there is little doubt that Pellegrini will promote Cresswell for an extended period when he returns to fitness.
Masuaku must therefore play out of his skin on Tuesday to have any chance of remaining in Pellegrini’s starting plans in the coming weeks.
Should he fail to do so, then he will likely find himself on the bench for the foreseeable future, watching on as Cresswell occupies his position for the Hammers.
