West Ham United will be haunted by the decision not to sign Josh King in the transfer window as Halloween brings a scary prospect for David Moyes.
West Ham plan moves for striker and defender after missing out on bargain deal – insider
The Hammers face losing key man Michail Antonio to a new hamstring injury.
Moyes is expected to confirm Antonio’s absence when he speaks to the press ahead of Saturday’s daunting trip to Liverpool this weekend.
Antonio makes West Ham tick. Indeed many would argue it is the powerful, hard-working striker that makes Moyes’s entire formation work.
Antonio leaves Moyes facing scary prospect
Sebastien Haller divides opinion among West Ham fans. That is why so many were desperate to see King signed before the window closed.
The Bournemouth forward has many similar attributes to Antonio. He is quick, powerful, works hard, has a good goal record and is versatile in that he can play in any of the forward positions and on the wing.
Now Moyes faces the scary prospect of going to Anfield on Halloween without his star man.
Pressure is on Haller to produce
If Moyes decides to bring Haller into the side the pressure is on the Frenchman.
Those who feel he is lazy and doesn’t give enough for the team will be watching his every move.
But it is vital the £45million man proves he can make it work while Antonio is out.
Football Insider claims West Ham have lined up a deal for King in January.
The Hammers must negotiate the next two months first, though. And with an easier run of fixtures over the next 12 games – on paper at least – a promising start to the season could fizzle out because of West Ham’s failure to sign King.
Weakened Liverpool defence gives Frenchman the perfect platform
Unless of course Haller finally steps up to the plate.
He has a great chance to shine against Liverpool, who are without key defenders Virgil van Dijk, Joel Matip and Fabinho.
With one of the Reds’s youngsters Rhys Williams or Nathaniel Phillips expected to replace Fabinho against West Ham, the stage is set for Haller.
But will he take the opportunity?
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