Pundit suggests Benrahma will return to West Ham starting line-up v Newcastle United
We’re delighted to welcome former West Ham United striker Frank McAvennie as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at the London Stadium…
Frank McAvennie has tipped Said Benrahma to return to the West Ham starting line-up to play Newcastle United at the London Stadium on Saturday.
David Moyes started Manuel Lanzini instead of Benrahma last week when the Hammers were held to a 2-2 draw by Leicester at the King Power Stadium.
The 26-year-old Algeria international came off the bench for the last 11 minutes of the game but McAvennie feels he should be back in Moyes’ starting line-up when Newcastle are in East London this weekend.
“I’m a big fan of Benrahma,” McAvennie told West Ham Zone.
“He used to lose the ball too much when he first joined but Moyes has drilled that out of him. I think he’s brilliant.
“He’s someone who gets you off your seat and we know that Newcastle defence hasn’t been the strongest this season.
“He’s someone who can make the difference in these games and I think he would do a job if he’s given the nod on Saturday.”
Benrahma has made 31 appearances in all competitions for the Hammers this season, scoring eight goals and supplying four assists in the process.
He missed three games due to international duty with Algeria at the Africa Cup of Nations and his side lost two of those.
Benrahma was in great form at the back-end of December so there’ll no doubt be hope that he can rediscover that on Saturday if he starts against Newcastle.
In other West Ham news, Newcastle’s travel plans are up in the air with Eddie Howe sharing an update on how his team will get to London.