Danny Ings has final chance to save West Ham United career after David Moyes decision v Olympiacos
David Moyes has made several changes to his West Ham United starting XI for the Europa League clash with Olympiacos on Thursday 26 October.
The Scotsman has opted to rest several key players against the Greek side, with the likes of Kurt Zouma, Jarrod Bowen, Lucas Paqueta and Michail Antonio all named among the substitutes, while summer signings Mohammed Kudus and Konstantinos Mavrpanos start.
There is a surprising selection at the top end of the pitch as Danny Ings is picked to lead the line for the Hammers having been limited to only a minute-long cameo during the Irons’ last Europa League outing against Freiburg before the October international break.
Many had assumed that this signalled the end of the 31-year-old’s career at the London Stadium and Moyes appeared more interested in helping Bowen transition into a genuine number nine rather than allowing Ings the opportunity to rediscover his form.
The former Southampton striker has flopped since making the move to East London from Aston Villa last January and has failed to score so far this season. Most of his minutes have come in the Europa League as the forward has only managed a total of 37 minutes in six substitute appearances in the Premier League.
Moyes and West Ham are both reportedly interested in signing a new number nine having sold Gianluca Scamacca this summer, as currently, the former Manchester United boss can only pick between Ings and Antonio to lead the line, with neither being particularly prolific in front of goal [90Min, 30 October].
If Ings has any hope of saving his career with the Hammers, the clash with Olympiacos could present a crucial opportunity to show that he is still worthy of a place in Moyes’ squad, let alone the starting XI.
With the likes of Kudus, Said Benrahma and Pablo Fornals around him, the former Liverpool striker should have plenty of chances created for him, but he now has to show the cutting edge to get back amongst the goals having not scored since April.
If Ings once again struggles and fails to find the net, it could well signal the end of his career in claret and blue as the 31-year-old has had several chances to show he has what it takes to be the Irons’ number nine. If he can’t perform tonight, he could well be sold in January.
In other West Ham news, Moyes could repeat his Jesse Lingard magic if the Hammers act on their interest in Jadon Sancho