CHICHARITO ON THE BENCH

Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez is set to start from the bench when West Ham play guests against Burnley in the Premier League this weekend, according to reports. The Hammers have not had a dream start to the new term as they struggle with several issues.

However, playmaker Manuel Lanzini and talented key star Michail Antonio are set to return from injury to boost the options available in the crucial away game. Only James Collins remains sidelined to stop manager Slaven Bilic from having a full strength squad available for the first time this season.

Marko Arnautovic is expecting to resume after missing the narrow Swansea win. Diafra Sakho and Andy Carroll are available so Bilic has gone from having a medium strength squad due to injuries to an almost full strength side that comes with selection headache.

Chicharito is in decent form, with him netting recently for Mexico in the World Cup qualifiers. With his schedule, travelling here and there, Bilic would likely be inclined to play him from the bench if he gets any minute at all.

There were reports that the former Manchester United man was unhappy at the club he joined this summer. However, the player and the coach have denied those reports. Due to his stature, playing sole upfront has been difficult for Chicharito. Carroll is the one that can do such while Hernandez uses his positioning and sharp instincts to his best advantage.

Despite the teething problems with West Ham, they are expected to finish in the top half of the table by May 2018. Anything short of that would likely see Bilic fired, especially with the resources he has expended.