Ahead of Sunday’s trip to face Tottenham, many West Ham fans are cautious over the prospect of an instant recall to Michail Antonio, who looks set to be made available for the all-London clash.
The 30-year-old has previously been heralded as the key to the Hammers’ success this season, but there is a compelling argument brewing to leave the talisman out of the starting XI this weekend.
Having scored the goals to ensure the club’s survival in the Premier League last season, the striker continued his fine form in 2020/21 before recurring hamstring woes hampered his campaign.
Hopes were previously pinned on Antonio before the Irons swept aside Sheffield United in the frontman’s absence on Monday. That result has led to many of the east London faithful calling for the 30-year-old to be kept out of the team and used as a “super sub” despite being available once again.
We’ve collated a handful of the reactions to Antonio’s fitness update from Twitter…
Twitter: @WHUFC_News @TheAthletic I wouldn’t start him tbf. Would rather start Lingard in a false 9 (@whugeorgee)
Twitter: @WHUFC_News @TheAthletic I would rather rest him and bring him on late in the game (@ScoutSoucek)
Twitter: @WHUFC_News @TheAthletic Rest him and keep him for a “big” game
(@NelsonSteve07)
Twitter: @WHUFC_News @TheAthletic Personally I wouldn’t start him , same 11 again (@shaunymanning12)
Twitter: @HAMMERDREAD @WHUFC_News @TheAthletic I think he makes more of an impact as a super sub, he has to embrace that rol… https://t.co/fIyZzR6lMr (@Rude1982)
Twitter: Given the way we played the other day and his fitness, I personally would start with the false 9 and then bring him… https://t.co/GPEGoE5PTU (@SeanSweeney09)
