West Ham United v Bayer Leverkusen: David Moyes must axe Aaron Cresswell for Maxwel Cornet at HT
David Moyes must look to take off Aaron Cresswell and bring on Maxwel Cornet at half-time if West Ham United are to beat Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League.
The Hammers came into the second leg at the London Stadium chasing a 2-0 deficit from Germany a week ago, and started fast with Michail Antonio finding the net with a header after just 13 minutes.
Moyes’ side were on top for much of the half too with their high intensity game causing the newly-crowned Bundesliga champions a lot of problems, with the pace down the wings and the physicality of the team shining.
But with just 45 minutes remaining in the tie for the home team to find a victory from the jaws of defeat against a team who haven’t lost a game in any competition all season, the manager is going to need to take some risks.
Maxwel Cornet has experience at left-back, use it for West Ham
With Emerson Palmieri and Lucas Paqueta suspended, the team are limited in their options creatively off the bench.
But one that could be used that would be a wildcard is to bring on outcast Cornet, who has barely featured for the club since joining two summers ago from Burnley.
Injuries have seen him struggle for minutes but he has often come up with a big goal during his time in English football, and his versatility could be something that Moyes looks to use in the second half.
Cornet has played at left-back in his career previously, for both Lyon and as a wing-back for West Ham on occasion. With Cresswell’s legs and energy not what they once were, and Cornet’s style of play exactly the thing that has caused Leverkusen trouble so far, it could be perfect.
Moyes has to take chances and there is no better time for it than at half-time after a short break where another fast start can be had.
Cresswell has been good, but this is the perfect chance to throw the kitchen sink at a game and get an extra attacker on the pitch to really take advantage and get a historic win.
In other West Ham news, the club want to sign this £40m ace in a “cash deal” this summer.
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