Nuno hints at solution to Malick Diouf problem ahead of West Ham clash vs Manchester City
Nuno Espirito Santo has revealed that he already has natural options at West Ham to ease pressure at left-back in Malick Diouf’s absence.
West Ham travel to the Etihad Stadium to face Manchester City on Saturday, in another important Premier League clash for the Hammers.
West Ham were beaten 3-2 by Aston Villa last time out as Nuno watched his side give away the lead not once, but twice.
Nuno will be aware that West Ham are in a relegation scrap, and points at this stage of the season are crucial, with the Irons currently sitting in 18th place.
Nuno will be without both Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Diouf for the clash, with both set to feature for their countries in the African Cup of Nations.
Ollie Scarles could play against Man City
Nuno revealed at his pre-match press conference on Thursday that there are no new injuries heading into the game, and he hopes everyone else will be available.
However, he understands how big a miss both Wan-Bissaka and Diouf will be.
The head coach said that Ollie Scarles can fill in at left-back, with Kyle Walker-Peters expected to feature at right-back for Wan-Bissaka.
Speaking to the press on Thursday, Nuno said: “They are the natural options, but we will also try to find a versatile player inside the squad who can fill that position.
“But Kyle and Oliver are the natural options now.”
With no other real replacement for Wan-Bissaka, it would make sense to see Walker-Peters on the right with Scarles on the left.
Ahead of the match, West Ham fans will be covering their eyes at the Irons’ defensive record at the Etihad Stadium.
- Read more: Nuno Espirito Santo to sweat after latest update on West Ham’s Niclas Fullkrug replacement
West Ham’s defence always collapses at the Etihad Stadium
Man city away is possibly one of the toughest fixtures on paper for the Hammers this season.
Not only have West Ham failed to win at the Etihad Stadium in the league since 2015, but they cannot seem to keep the ball out of the net at the ground.
West Ham’s last three away results against Manchester City:
- 4-1 Loss
- 3-1 Loss
- 3-0 Loss
West Ham have conceded a combined 10 goals in their last three visits to the Etihad Stadium, and even a draw looks hard to hope for heading into the clash.
Erling Haaland loves a goal against the Hammers too, and with the striker in top form, Nuno may need a miracle to pull off a result in this one.
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