Moyes cannot afford to get striker decision wrong against Manchester United

Sat 18 September 2021 19:15, UK

West Ham have a chance to extend their unbeaten run tomorrow.

The Hammers face a tough home clash against Manchester United.

However, after his red card against Southampton, Michail Antonio is suspended ahead of tomorrow.

The 31-year-old has been sublime for West ham this season and he scored in the Europa League in midweek.

Now that he’s out, though, David Moyes has a decision to make.

He has to replace Antonio up front and it won’t be at all easy.

Antonio’s pace and power on the ball, coupled with his ability to score with both feet and his head makes him an incredible option.

Without him, West Ham could struggle.

In midweek, Antonio was subbed off for Andriy Yarmolenko.

The Ukrainian isn’t up to standard, though.

He isn’t mobile enough to fill Antonio’s shoes and whilst his left foot can be a wand, Yarmolenko can’t be relied upon to lead the line.

Moyes would be so much better off using one of his versatile attacking midfielders up front.

One of Nikola Vlasic, Jarrod Bowen or Said Benrahma should be deputised as a striker.

Mobility and movement will be crucial against Manchester United.

Harry Maguire is likely to start alongside Raphael Varane.

If whoever is thrown in up front can pull off of Maguire to create space then West Ham could find plenty of joy tomorrow.

Fortunately for the Irons, Antonio will only miss one game.

He’ll no doubt be back in the side in a week’s time when West Ham travel to Elland Road to face Leeds United.

This isn’t a game that West Ham have to win.

Having seen their opponents lose to Young Boys in midweek Moyes and co have to be smelling blood ahead of the clash.

The opportunity to capitalise is there but only if they get the striking decision right on the day.

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