West Ham fans absolutely love Michail Antonio. The 29-year-old winger has missed the Hammers’ last ten games in all competitions after he managed just eight minutes against Newport County before suffering a muscle injury which has since ruled him out for almost three months.
Now, though, it’s widely reported that Antonio is going to be back fit for this weekend, as the Irons welcome Tottenham to the London Stadium, yet Manuel Pellegrini must resist the urge to throw Antonio straight back into the starting eleven on Saturday.
Instead, it should be Andriy Yarmolenko who comes into the side for this one. The Ukranian has started the season well and has got an impressive three goals and one assist to his name in his 11 games in the Premier League this season (Transfermarkt).
This may not come as particularly enjoyable reading for the fans, but whilst Antonio may be a better option than Yarmolenko, his injury history is something to take note of. The former Nottingham Forest winger has suffered more than his fair share of muscle problems, and risking him in this one isn’t the best way of going about things.
We’re not suggesting that Antonio should sit out completely from this one, the Englishman is one hell of a player and could well provide an impressive option from the bench should the Hammers need to call upon him during the Tottenham clash, but starting him presents a risk.
Who should start against Tottenham this weekend?
Michail Antonio
Andriy Yarmolenko
Both!
Neither
Not only might Antonio find himself aggravating his injury, but he’s not featured for almost three months and will without a doubt be lacking in match sharpness, so calling upon him from the start during Saturday’s early kick-off is something that Pellegrini should avoid doing unless he absolutely has to.
