Pellegrini Spoiled For Choice Ahead Of Villa

Manuel Pellegrini is spoiled for choice with his team selection ahead of Monday night's Barclays Premier League match against newly promoted Aston Villa at Villa Park, a match that could see West Ham move in to the top three ahead of arch London rivals Tottenham and Arsenal.

Of course being West Ham, against 'lower' opposition, the likely hood is that home team will have a resounding victory that will inspire them for the rest of the season. On three occasions towards the end of last season, Hammers had the chance of making the seventh place that would have made a slot in the Europa league their own, and on each occasion they lost! against 'lower opposition'.

So bearing that in mind, it is with some foreboding that the good news regarding Pellegrini's selection options is received, with the exception of Michail Antonio, out for three months following a successful hamstring operation, and Winston Reid, who is due to start playing with the 'B' side shortly, the Hammers manager has a full squad available to choose from.

When was the last time a West Ham manager was in a similar situation? You have to go back to Harry Redknapp in his heyday to see such a strong squad of players available, only this time they are not all ancient, neither are they on loan! If Hammers could only see this coming match through, they could set a precedent for the season ahead, and really push on for the tantalising prospect of the Europa League, and who knows in some fans dreams the Champions League. - Ed