West Ham captain Mark Noble set to lose starting spot against Arsenal with concerns over midfield mobility
Manuel Pellegrini has confirmed that Noble will skipper the side when in it but has failed to offer him any assurances over his place
MARK NOBLE is reportedly set to be axed from West Ham’s team to face Arsenal.
The Mail report that boss Manuel Pellegrini has concerns over the mobility of his midfield.
West Ham have lost their two opening matches of the season following the 2-1 home loss to Bournemouth on Saturday.
And skipper Noble could be the man to pay the price if the Hammers’ boss opts to pair a more dynamic midfielder with Jack Wilshere.
Pellegrini hooked Noble on 77 minutes for forward on Lucas Perez against the Cherries.
But it is more likely that Pedro Obiang or Carlos Sanchez would come into the team to play alongside Wilshere.
Declan Rice was dropped for the clash but is an option to play at the base of midfield.
Cheikhou Kouyate featured regularly in that position last season but was sold to Crystal Palace in an £11million deal.
Pellegrini has confirmed that Noble will captain the side when in it but has failed to offer him any assurances over his place.
Ahead of the opening-day defeat to Liverpool, the Chilean said: “Mark Noble in this moment is the captain of the team.
“In this moment I don’t know how many times he will be selected but when he is he’ll be the captain.”