David Moyes should avoid Jarrod Bowen risk after double blow at West Ham United
David Moyes may be forced to take his West Ham side to Arsenal on Boxing Day without a fit striker, but playing Jarrod Bowen out of position would be a huge risk.
The Hammers return to Premier League action on Boxing Day with a trip to league leaders Arsenal. After three consecutive losses before the break, Moyes is under huge pressure to turn things around.
But the winter break hasn’t been kind to the Scotsman, and injuries have left his squad looking tattered ahead of the clash against the Gunners.
As reported by football.london, West Ham may be without both Michail Antonio and Gianluca Scamacca for Monday night’s trip. Antonio missed the friendly against Fulham with a thigh concern while Scamacca was withdrawn from the match early after showing his own signs of struggle.
With both strikers facing a fitness race to be available for the match, Moyes will have to consider playing someone else up front.
Bowen is one of the more obvious choices to fill the void of Antonio and Scamacca, but it’d be a huge risk after his impressive performances over the break.
The 26-year-old has failed to reach the heights of last season so far in this campaign, but he looked rejuvenated during the winter break and proved it by adding a couple of very impressive goals from the right flank.
There’s no denying that Bowen plays his best football on the right wing for West Ham, and forcing him up front against Arsenal could ruin all the momentum he’s built up over the break.
Forcing square pegs in round holes might not be the best option for Moyes. Bowen playing on the right gives the Irons the best chance of picking up points on Monday.
Moyes’ other options are to play another makeshift striker, or perhaps field Lucas Paqueta as a false nine. Or he could dip into the youth squad and give a young – but natural – striker a chance to shine in a London derby.
But whatever he chooses, Bowen should remain on the right.