WHZ Tactics: West Ham options to replace doubtful Michail Antonio v Liverpool
West Ham United forward Michail Antonio is facing a wait on his fitness ahead of the Premier League clash with Liverpool.
The 30-year-old was replaced for the second game running with concerns over his hamstring problems against both Man City and Spurs.
Antonio has been sent for scans since, and David Moyes could look to rest him in a game that could be classed as a write-off.
It was Andriy Yarmolenko who replaced Antonio against City, with Sebastien Haller also coming off the bench in that game.
WyScout had the Hammers playing as a 5-3-2, with Jarrod Bowen playing as a midfielder behind Antonio and Pablo Fornals.
This system was most likely only used due to the attacking strength of City, and it is also likely that it would be used again at Anfield this Saturday.
Antonio is a key figure in this system, as his strength can help hold up possession and then release the pace of Bowen and Fornals in-behind.
Haller or Yarmolenko?
Given that it was the Ukrainian who replaced Antonio at the break on Sunday, he is currently the favourite to take that place.
Haller has been struggling with his own injuries, and the Frenchman may not be fully 100% to take his spot at Anfield if required.
Yarmolenko played as a centre-forward for his country in the last international break and failed to impress. He did shine as a winger in their 1-0 win over Spain, more proof that Haller would be more suited if needed.
A left-field shout could be that Mark Noble comes into the side in midfield, pushing Bowen further forward and making it a three-man defensive barrier against their potent attack.
It is a tough game, but Moyes has proven that he won’t sit back and just let teams dominate this season, and the Hammers could go and attack the champions.
In other West Ham United news, Irons squad want a new contract for David Moyes