Danny Ings deserves start v Fulham after new developments at West Ham United
Frank McAvennie believes Danny Ings deserves to start against Fulham after news of Niclas Fullkrug’s injury emerged at West Ham.
The 32-year-old has played just five minutes of Premier League football so far this season after being handed three starts by David Moyes last season, but that could be about to change.
It has been reported that new signing Fullkrug could be sidelined for a “prolonged period” after sustaining an Achilles injury on international duty with Germany [GiveMeSport].
Speaking exclusively to West Ham Zone, McAvennie said: “If we go back to the way we played under David Moyes, Antonio will start. But, if we’re going the way I think Lopetegui wants to play, with wingers getting down the flanks and midfielders getting into the box, it has to be Ings.
“This might be the key for Ings. The manager might have had a word with him this summer, saying: ‘I have three strikers but you’re the kind of striker that I need.’
“It was hard for Ings under Moyes because that wasn’t his style. This new manager, however, seems to be playing more free-flowing football. We just need to turn the good games into good results.
“I want to see him. If anyone deserves a crack at things, it’s Ings. He could’ve gone this summer but he wanted to fight for his spot. Give him a chance.”
Danny Ings to start in West Ham United v Fulham?
Performances have been extremely positive from the Hammers since Lopetegui’s appointment, even against the current Premier League champions, Manchester City.
While many fans will expect Michail Antonio to return to his spot in the starting XI, especially after scoring on international duty, there is a good chance he will be knackered once back at the London Stadium.
Ings, who is well-rested and ready to prove a point to his new manager, will be keen to put on a show against Fulham. Either way, Antonio would be on the bench to replace him if needed.
In other West Ham news, Julen Lopetegui will be fuming as one of his stars suffers a new injury on international duty.
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