Manuel Pellegrini has recalled Chicharito to the West Ham United starting XI for today’s Premier League fixture at Newcastle United – one of four changes from the home defeat by Manchester City.
The Mexico striker is in from the kick-off for the third time this season, adding to the starts he made at home to AFC Bournemouth in August and away at Leicester City in late October.
Chicharito has been successful against Newcastle in the past, scoring three goals and registering two assists in ten Premier League appearances against the Magpies.
The No17 will partner Marko Arnautovic in attack, while captain Mark Noble and the available-again Robert Snodgrass are also back in the starting XI after returning from their respective suspensions.
Aaron Cresswell replaces Arthur Masuaku at left-back to make it four changes in total.
Pedro Obiang and Masuaku drop to the substitutes’ bench, where they are joined by the fit-again Jack Wilshere and Andy Carroll.
Lukasz Fabianski will start in goal, with a back four of Pablo Zabaleta, Issa Diop, Fabian Balbuena and Cresswell.
Felipe Anderson, Declan Rice, skipper Noble and Snodgrass will make up the midfield, with Arnautovic and Chicharito partnered in attack.
The bench consists of Adrian, Masuaku, Angelo Ogbonna, Wilshere, Obiang, Carroll and Lucas Perez, meaning Michail Antonio and Grady Diangana are not involved at St James’ Park.
West Ham United: Fabianski, Zabaleta, Diop, Balbuena, Cresswell, Felipe Anderson, Rice, Noble ©, Snodgrass, Chicharito, Arnautovic
Subs: Adrian, Masuaku, Ogbonna, Obiang, Wilshere, Lucas Perez, Carroll