West Ham United secured their first points of the season so far with a well-earned victory over Everton last time out. However, it wasn’t all plain sailing for the Hammers at Goodison Park.
Whilst Manuel Pellegrini’s side looked cohesive and potent in attack, and the London club’s midfield contingent was more solid, energetic and functional by far than it has been at any other point during this campaign, defensively there is still room for improvement.
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A key weakness against the Toffees was Pablo Zabaleta. As fine a defender as the 33-year-old right-back has been throughout his career, he is now a liability. The Argentine no longer possesses the requisite pace to effectively cover his flank, and as such West Ham are vulnerable to attacks that come down Zabaleta’s side.
Fortunately, West Ham bought a new, younger and faster right-back this summer in the form of Ryan Fredericks. Although the 25-year-old hasn’t exactly shone in the Premier League since his arrival, he would be a far smarter pick to start against Chelsea than Zabaleta would.
With the likes of Willian, Pedro and Eden Hazard to contend with, picking Zabaleta ahead of Fredericks for the visit of Chelsea would be suicide.
What do you think West Ham fans, would you stick with Zabaleta or bring in Fredericks for the match against the Blues?
