Vladimir Coufal may have one more chance to save West Ham career v Bournemouth
Vladimir Coufal is likely to start in the absence of Emerson for West Ham and it may be his final chance to stake a claim for his place in the side.
After picking up his fifth yellow card of the season in the Irons’ victory over Wolves last time out, Emerson will sit out the encounter at the Vitality Stadium on Monday (16 November).
His absence will provide Coufal with what could be his final chance to impress at West Ham after failing to perform in recent weeks.
Failure to take his opportunity could spell the beginning of the end for his time at the London Stadium ahead of what could prove to be a crucial January transfer window.
Coufal must improve for West Ham v Bournemouth
The Czech international has been an excellent servant for the Hammers throughout his time at the club but his best days seem to be behind him and it could be a troubled position come January.
His showing against Leicester on 3 December made Julen Lopetegui look very silly after the Spaniard put his faith in the veteran fullback to no prevail.
Emerson is likely to come back into contention after serving the suspension, and Coufal could find himself removed from the club’s plans going forward.
With Emerson reportedly unhappy at the club (JuveLive), the Hammers may be looking to add options in the defensive area in January and offload Coufal in the process with a rebuild in mind.
If the Czech defender puts in another poor performance, it will become increasingly difficult to see a route back for him at the club.
In other West Ham news, Newcastle are readying a record-breaking deal for one Irons star.
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