West Ham’s first season at the London Stadium has certainly not been what fans in the Transfer Tavern were expecting and they’re aiming for major improvements this summer.
Slaven Bilic’s future in East London may remain under speculation but he could hand himself a saving grace with a strong performance in the Hammers’ clash with Burnley today, where our fans are hoping for some changes in the starting line-up.
Injury issues have plagued West Ham but the final game of the season leaves the Hammers with little to play for and the punters in the bar believe it’s therefore the ideal opportunity for Bilic to experiment with his team selection.
A busy summer awaits for the Hammers and our landlord believes handing opportunities to two fringe players could boost his side, as these players will be playing for the chance of more regular involvement next season and it would show Bilic what they’re capable of.
Edimilson Fernandes
21-year-old defensive midfielder Edimilson Fernandes has been a regular for West Ham this season, making a total of 27 Premier League appearances, but only seven of those appearances have come as a starter.
Four of those starts have come in the last five games and Fernandes needs to start again today, which will give Slaven Bilic a further indication as to whether the Swiss ace is capable of being one of the first names on the team-sheet next season.
Ashley Fletcher
21-year-old striker Ashley Fletcher is another player who’s enjoyed opportunities in the first-team this season, making 15 Premier League appearances, but those openings have provided just 348 minutes of action and he’s had just two starts.
The last of his starts came in a 5-1 defeat to Arsenal in December and his only goal of the season came just days before in the League Cup, where he netted against former employers Manchester United. West Ham need to strengthen their ranks this summer but Fletcher deserves the chance to make an impression today.
