David Moyes could drop Sebastien Haller and start Andriy Yarmolenko up front against Fulham in the continued absence of Michail Antonio.
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That’s according to West Ham insiders Claret & Hugh.
Rarely has a player polarised opinion among West Ham fans quite as much as Haller.
Doubters feel the £45million Frenchman is lazy and doesn’t want to be at West Ham given his body language and lack of effort.
But some fans are quick to point out Haller played in a completely different system at his previous clubs which got the best out of his abilities. In many ways both arguments have legitimacy and flaws.
Haller polarises opinion at West Ham
It doesn’t help that fans have Michail Antonio as a yardstick to measure effort and workrate.
West Ham’s number one striker is injured until the end of the month. Haller could certainly work harder in the lone striker role.
Jamie Carragher brutally pointed that out on several occasions in commentary during West Ham’s defeat at Anfield.
But what was also abundantly clear from that game is that West Ham do not play to the striker’s strengths.
Haller was substituted for winger Yarmolenko at Anfield.
Insiders claim Moyes could consider dropping Frenchman for Yarmo
And now Claret & Hugh claims Moyes could consider dropping Haller for the visit of lowly Fulham on Saturday and replacing him with Yarmolenko from the start.
“Seb Haller may be handed another chance in the central striking role although Moyes is bound to consider starting Andriy Yarmolenko who showed far more energy than the Frenchman when he arrived as a sub at the weekend,” Claret & Hugh report.
It would be a highly controversial decision if Moyes were to drop Haller and one that would split the fanbase down the middle.
Yarmolenko was praised by Carragher and some West Ham fans for showing more effort than Haller during his short time on the pitch.
But the Ukraine winger also gave the ball away in his own half as Liverpool scored the winner on 85 minutes.
Whatever your opinion on Haller, it would be harsh if he was dropped for a game against a team West Ham are expected to take the game to.
A hugely controversial and harsh decision
Against Liverpool West Ham defended in large numbers throughout. That meant Haller was denied support for much of the game.
Moyes admitted after the match that it was always going to be tough for whoever played up front for West Ham at Liverpool.
But he also called on Haller to improve his performance levels (Football.London).
Regardless of where you stand in the Haller debate, much of the blame for West Ham’s situation comes down to owners David Sullivan and David Gold.
West Ham have just two recognised strikers in their squad in Haller and Antonio.
The Hammers were linked with Josh King in the window but failed to push through a move despite Antonio’s history of hamstring injuries.
West Ham are already regretting not bringing in King who would have made an ideal partner for Haller or Antonio or indeed replacement when needed.
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