Alvaro Arbeloa will reportedly make his West Ham debut against Accrington.
Alvaro Arbeloa during a press conference
According to The Telegraph, Alvaro Arbeloa is set to be handed his West Ham United debut against Accrington Stanley on Wednesday evening.
The Hammers have been woeful defensively of late, conceding eight goals in their last two games after 4-2 defeats to both West Brom and Watford, with only Stoke conceding more Premier League goals so far this season.
Alvaro Arbeloa in action against Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney
Manager Slaven Bilic is under pressure as he defence continues to falter, and he desperately needs a positive result against League Two side Accrington Stanley in the EFL Cup on Wednesday evening.
In a bid to bring some solidity to his back four, Bilic may ring the changes, and one summer signing is in line to make his debut during the game.
Alvaro Arbeloa celebrates
The Telegraph report that right back Alvaro Arbeloa is set to be handed a start against Accrington, having joined West Ham on a free transfer back on deadline day three weeks ago.
Spaniard Arbeloa, 33, was a free agent having been released by Real Madrid over the summer, and was brought in to provide an experienced option at right back given Sam Byram’s lack of Premier League experience.
Spain’s Alvaro Arbeloa (L) and Xabi Alonso (R) celebrate winning the World Cup and kiss their medals
Arbeloa brings just that having played for Liverpool, whilst he’s won La Liga and the Champions League with Real Madrid, as well as the European Championships and World Cup with Spain.
On Wednesday, Arbeloa will be faced with a very different proposition against Accrington, and Bilic will be hoping that the veteran can bring some much needed calm to his imploding West Ham defence. Should he impress, Arbeloa may well be called up on against Southampton in the Premier League this coming weekend, as Bilic must find a defensive solution somewhere.
Do you think Arbeloa can solve West Ham’s defensive problems?
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