This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…
West Ham could do with reinvigorating their attack and the inclusion of Nathan Holland against Sheffield United would help to achieve that goal.
On the chalkboard
The Hammers have struggled for goals in recent matches, and though Manuel Pellegrini thinks more movement is required of Sebastien Haller to fix that problem, in reality there is a wider issue.
Other than Andriy Yarmolenko, his side have lacked goals from midfield, with limited service also holding the team back.
Despite that, Haller still has four goals in eight league games, but when things aren’t going well for him, or the team, they lack ideas and options to change things.
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West Ham’s bench is particularly weak, that was evidenced by Pellegrini’s substitutions failing to make any impact against Everton, so Nathan Holland’s introduction could be the solution they need.
The youngster would provide an injection of pace as well as an eye for goal, with six in the Premier League 2 so far this campaign, and that could prove crucial against the Blades.
Point to prove
Holland continues to impress for the under 23s and his involvement could provide a lift to the squad, and send a message to those in the first-team that they need to improve, or risk missing out.
Manuel Lanzini and Felipe Anderson have come under increased scrutiny following their poor displays against Everton, with fans keen to see the latter dropped, but it would be too much to expect a 21-year-old to come into the starting line-up straight away.
Instead, he should take Robert Snodgrass’ place on the bench. Pellegrini’s dwindling use of the former Scotland international – with just one league start this season – suggests he is out of favour, and West Ham would benefit from a pacier option.
Holland could unsettle the visitors’ back five and his ability to run at defenders would create more space for Haller to operate in. He should be confident, too, after scoring two goals against Stoke U23s a few days ago, and therefore could seize on any chances that come his way.
If he gets a chance to impress he could become a useful option for the Chilean like Grady Diangana was last year, and at the very least put the senior players on their toes.
