Nuno Espirito Santo takes gamble as forgotten West Ham player starts vs Bournemouth
Luis Guilherme starts for West Ham for the first time this season against Bournemouth.
Nuno Espirito Santo could make it three consecutive Premier League wins when West Ham face Bournemouth in the Premier League on 22 November.
The stakes are high, and a win could lift West Ham out of the relegation zone in what would be a monumental moment in their season.
For fans, this isn’t the time to experiment, but with Guilherme set to start, Nuno may have taken his biggest one since becoming manager.
Nuno Espirito Santo makes season-defining decision
Guilherme joined West Ham last summer, but has failed to impress since arriving at the London Stadium.
Guilherme has since been linked with an exit from West Ham, with the January transfer window less than six weeks away.
However, the attacking midfielder is set to start against the Cherries, in a decision which could transform his and the Hammers’ season.
This comes with Lucas Paqueta and Crysencio Summerville both sidelined for the Premier League clash.
If Gulherme impresses against Bournemouth, this could be the moment that alters his career at the London Stadium for the foreseeable future.
Indeed, the midfielder will certainly receive more minutes if he shines and Nuno will have a solid rotational option for future use.
- Read more: Nuno Espirito Santo must avoid repeat of Manuel Pellegrini history in West Ham vs Bournemouth
What could Luis Gulherme bring to West Ham against Bournemouth?
Gulherme is best characterised by his electric pace, creative genius and impressive dribbling.
The versatile attacker excels in tight spaces and has a special vision for making passes in the final third, which makes him a threat both in the midfield and on the wings.
Bournemouth have been a better defensive side than West Ham, but only marginally.
- The Cherries have conceded 18 goals in the Premier League
- This is the sixth-most in the league this season
- West Ham have conceded 23 goals, which is the second-most
While the Cherries have been the better team, they are clearly not an invincible one. Having Gulherme in the midfield behind Callum Wilson could be the perfect way to generate several goal-scoring opportunities.
Therefore, Nuno’s decision to start the attacking midfielder is no doubt a gamble, but it could surprise many.
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