Frank McAvennie expects West Ham United to field weakened team v Arsenal
We’re delighted to welcome former West Ham United striker Frank McAvennie as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at the London Stadium…
Frank McAvennie expects West Ham to field a weakened team against Arsenal this weekend ahead of their Europa League semi-final second leg in midweek.
The Hammers were beaten 2-1 at the London Stadium and must win in Germany in order to reach the final of the European tournament for the first time.
But with a big Premier League game sandwiched in the middle, the former striker believes that while he’d rather not make changes there will be some and backed David Moyes to give an academy prospect a chance up front too.
“I hope not. The boys want to play,” he told West Ham Zone.
“It would do Zouma good to get another game under his belt I think. You know, maybe I’d give Michail Antonio a break. [Only one striker] is a problem isn’t it? Who do you play?
“I think Coufal will come in for Johnson. I think he’ll change it. I don’t know what’s happened to Coufal, I like him.
“Ben Johnson is a big lad, an athletic lad but I think Coufal is a better defender. I’ve not seen enough of them to make that remark but on the basis of last night [Thursday], he was more of a winger. I think Coufal will play.
“I think Noble will come in.
“There must be another striker at West Ham. There’s not a chance that there’s not a young boy there. Give him a chance.
“If he’s going to rest Antonio, give this boy a chance. Whoever’s banging in the goals for the youngsters. It doesn’t matter who you’re scoring against it’s still a goal. I would give him a chance and give Antonio a rest.”
Armstrong Okoflex has long been tipped to break into the first-team and could play out wide with someone else moving into the forward position.
There is also the possibility of Andriy Yarmolenko getting the nod as he did against Chelsea last weekend ahead of the first leg.
In other West Ham news, Tony Cottee lets slip that West Ham have ‘done a deal’ for summer transfer and says it will be ‘announced soon’
Be sure to follow West Ham Zone on Facebook for 24/7 updates on the Hammers plus more exclusive interviews with Frank McAvennie.