Pundit demands change as West Ham United prepare for ‘huge game’ v Brentford
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 doesn’t understand why David Moyes hasn’t tried to pair Gianluca Scamacca and Michail Antonio together for West Ham.
The Hammers splashed the cash on Italian international Scamacca in the summer from Serie A club Sassuolo, beating Paris Saint-Germain to his signature, and he is their top scorer so far with four goals in all competitions alongside Antonio.
But after defeat to Arsenal in the Boxing Day fixture left them sitting just above the relegation zone, McAvennie has called for the two forwards to start together against Brentford.
“I would like to see him play the two of them up front,” he told West Ham Zone.
“I don’t understand why they don’t. Defenders can’t handle two up front, so I don’t know why you wouldn’t play the two of them.
“It is what it is, David has to get that sorted. It’s a huge game.”
Scamacca missed the game against Arsenal after rolling his ankle in training during the World Cup break but David Moyes admitted that he is hopeful he will be able to return for Friday’s game.
The two are yet to start a single game together in any competition, but their skillsets certainly match up well and could form a formidable partnership.
Antonio is excellent at running the channels and being a nuisance to defenders with his physical attributes, but can sometimes lack when it comes to technical things, which is where Scamacca shines.
Having extra attacking options on the pitch would go a long way towards helping to score goals to help us move away from a relegation battle too, while Antonio has always been disciplined enough to track back when needed.
It’s something for Moyes to consider, and something fans are desperate to see trialled.