WHZ Tactics: Sebastien Haller set for massive role in West Ham clash v Man United
It has been confirmed that West Ham United forward Michail Antonio will miss the Premier League clash with Manchester United this weekend.
Antonio returned against Aston Villa on Monday but had to be dragged off at half-time in the 2-1 victory and replaced by Sebastien Haller.
David Moyes confirmed that Antonio is suffering from a fresh blow, and that has been mixed with his recurring hamstring problems.
All eyes are now on Haller.
The Ivorian is all-but-guaranteed to start tomorrow evening as the Irons get ready for another big test at the London Stadium.
Haller has started three of the previous four Premier League games, with his only return his winning strike at Sheffield United.
The 26-year-old often looks laboured in his efforts when watching, but his numbers are quite the opposite – having seven shots and making four key passes in those games according to WhoScored.
The striker has been dispossessed 17 times in his previous four games though, and Moyes will want better hold-up play on Saturday.
Haller still hasn’t proved himself to be a great option since arriving from Frankfurt.
This setback to Antonio should be the perfect motivation for him to prove to all of his critics that he is the man to lead the line every single week in the Premier League.
Andriy Yarmolenko is back in training after his absence, and Moyes has proved that he isn’t afraid to use him as a striker this season – something which could be an option should Haller not perform.
A physical battle against the likes of Harry Maguire could be exactly what Haller needs, and we cross our fingers it brings the best out of him.
In other West Ham United news, Mark Lawrenson predicts result of Irons clash v Man Utd