OPINION
It is at the time of the season when West Ham United have nothing else to play for, but a win is no doubt craved after three successive losses.
The Hammers only need to play for pride now seeing as they are one of the team that neither lingers in the relegation battle or the battle for the European spots, and that is something that they will want to do when they take on Leicester this weekend.
However, Manuel Pellegrini could be without one of his driving creative forces in the shape of Manuel Lanzini, with the playmaker set to be sidelined according to Claret and Hugh.
Just where does Pellegrini turn to in his 90 minutes of need? It would appear that his creative options are wearing rather thin – that is until you consider Nathan Holland.
Football London report that the 20-year-old is expected to be involved in the first team rather soon, having yet to be seen among the senior side this season, and he is exactly who Pellegrini should turn to to alleviate his concerns.
Pellegrini has been famed this season for handing opportunities to quite a few of the club’s Academy players, with the likes of Grady Diangana getting some game time as well as the likes of Ben Johnson at right-back.
He must continue the trend by giving Holland the chance to shine on Saturday. The young dazzler has been in fine form for the under-23 side, and his bid to make the senior first team fold was only reinforced by the wonder strike that he scored against Derby County in a youth match on Monday.
Holland is destined to make his breakthrough into Pellegrini’s plans some time soon, and the Foxes clash is the perfect way to bide him in gently.
The manager must be bold and start Holland on Saturday, as it is not likely that he will regret it.
