David Moyes will this morning deliver an update on the availability of striker Michail Antonio for West Ham United’s huge clash with Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.
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Antonio – West Ham’s only senior striker – has missed the last two games through injury.
The Hammers did not miss him last time out as Moyes used Jarrod Bowen up front with Jesse Lingard behind and West Ham beat Sheffield United 3-0.
West Ham did not miss Antonio last time out
Antonio loves playing against West Ham’s bitter rivals Tottenham, though.
Earlier this week West Ham insiders Claret & Hugh claimed Antonio was ‘nailed on’ to face Spurs.
It was a more emphatic verdict than Moyes has delivered after the game against the Blades.
Speaking on Monday night, the Scot said he was ‘hopeful’ but ‘could not make any promises’ (Football London).
With news emerging that Tottenham talisman Harry Kane will be fit for Sunday, West Ham will be desperate to have their striker available too.
Moyes set to deliver Antonio update ahead of huge Spurs clash
Moyes is famed for keeping team and injury news a closely guarded secret.
But one of the first questions he will face when he goes in front of the press today will be about Antonio’s fitness.
Moyes usually holds his pre-match press conference at any time between 9.30am and 11am.
So West Ham fans will be watching with interest as he delivers his Antonio verdict.
After the impressive and fluid performance of West Ham’s front line against the Blades, Moyes may even elect to have Antonio on the bench.
Claret & Hugh claim the Hammers boss could spring a surprise by using the striker as a substitute against Jose Mourinho’s Spurs.
The problem with that tactic is the risk of wasting two subs if Antonio comes on and pulls up injured again.
Injury-prone striker could be used as sub but is that worth the risk?
It can also take the forward a while to get into games.
A win for West Ham over Spurs would consolidate their place in the European mix and put them nine points ahead of their London rivals.
Victory for Mourinho’s out of sorts visitors would cut the gap to just three points.
So it really is the proverbial ‘six-pointer’ when it comes to the race for the European places.
Tottenham have struggled of late. But they looked in decent form on Thursday night, beating Austrian side Wolfsberg 4-1 in the Europa League last 32.
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