The Winners and Losers under Scott Parker

With Scott Parker at the helm of this Hammers side, he is expected to make numerous changes to the squad, suggesting that “everyone has a clean slate” since the departure of Nuno. The first two matches had minimal influence on what he had seen due to the fact that he had barely been at the club before needing to make a choice, but upon return from the international break, he certainly will be further informed. 

Mads Hermansen is expected to be dropped for Alphonso Areola. However, that is dependent on the Frenchman’s injury news. Elsewhere, seemingly Parker is not a fan of Morato playing left-back for this side, and his wing-back endeavours are to end under new management. 

Dropping Manor Solomon from the starting squad against Blackburn Rovers in only his second match in charge was a statement, and against Preston, it is to be suspected that Edvin Austbø will remain in the starting squad. 

Piroe has begun to see more game time under Parker, someone that Nuno didn’t entirely utilise and much preferred to stick with Taty Castellanos. The table has now been turned for the Argentine. 

Opportunities for Soungoutou Magassa and Edson Alvarez have been presented, specifically more for the Frenchman, as he has been a previous target of Parker’s sides, most recently at Burnley, and the other during his stint at Club Brugge. 

Finally, Arne Engels could significantly benefit from Parker; despite already being in the starting squad, the Belgian hasn’t been used in his correct starting position since joining the Hammers. That has already been identified by Parker, and since changing him in the two matches he’s had control in, Engels has scored and looked impressive.  

The losers, on the other hand, raise several theories. Max Kilman’s spot could be up for grabs given that Morato is no longer playing wing-back. Mayers and Scarles also seem as if they will be going toe-to-toe over the starting left-back slot. 

Solomon and Pablo are the other two names that could struggle under Parker, with Pablo not even being involved against Blackburn Rovers. 

As time goes on, the squad dynamic will play out, but over the remainder of November, Parker’s starting squad will be clearer.