David Moyes could face an interesting conundrum when he sends out his team to face Liverpool at the weekend.
He has to decide whether to include Michail Antonio and or Said Benrahma both of whom have question marks over them currently for different reasons.
Antonio’s hamstrings appear to still be causing issues, despite him being on a special programme to protect them, and after an initial assessment he now faces a full scan which will decide either fully or in part whether he will be involved on merseyside.
David Moyes has briefed everybody inside the club that he will be furious if any leaks on the conditions of his players emerge but it may well be that he will rest the player as suggested by Sean on CandH anyway.
Despite the Hammers being in terrific form he may let caution be the better part of valour as he bids to protect the 30 year old in a match which we are not expected to win!
Should that be the case the manager appears to have two alternative formation outlets unless he decides to play without a recognised striker.
He could go with Andriy Yarmolenko through the middle or instead select Seb Haller with Said Benrahma included as a possible supply line.
Haller commented how he had enjoyed playing with Grady Diangana in a pre-season friendly – a player similar to the new signing.
The first option may be the more likely as with Moyes appearing to be a creature of habit he may choose to keep Benrahma on the sidelines as he did Jarrod Bowen on his arrival at the club.
I would love to see Yarmolenko played up top as a striker, a position which he plays in international football. When he plays as a winger his effectiveness is diminished because he knows he has to put in a shift defensively in a Moyes team to play that position. Plus Jarrod Bowen has pretty much nailed down that position in the team. Yarmolenko is at his best attacking the goal and getting involved with clever little passes and link up play around the box. He is a proper nuisance to opposition defenders. That’s why I’d prefer him to Haller. I’m surprised Moyes hasn’t tried Yarmolenko up top as a striker already because he did it with Arnautovic, and I can see many similarities between Arnautovic and Yarmolenko. Has to be worth a try. Not sure Moyes will though because in the last game he preferred to bring Yarmolenko on as the winger and move Bowen up front as the striker.
Grady & Benrahma are both quick dribbler & take on but Grady was Natural on left wing & Benrahma is right footed. Tho still creates a lo should help with Haller. His first season playing RW LW & AM got 17 assists. Grady is a little faster & 3 years younger. I just mention that bc I hear on podcast people staying the pretty much same age.
I think Grady would of been good cover for Masuaku as LWB Benrahma won’t do that. That’s said I’m thrilled about Benrahma he wanted the move, he does have a good work rate in training never cashed trouble at Brentford from what I hear. Seems likely in January could go for Lundtstram who would offer Left footed mid which we do miss, odd that he is playing every game but doesn’t want to to stay though.
Yarmo I like through he middle he has a great shot. Some say Haller looks like he isn’t into it & he probably isn’t he scored a lot of goals in cup then good hola Vs Wolves but doesn’t get much time. I have seen Haller with us work hard defender from front battle in air & when had 2 pacey players beside him in front 3 created for them & scordd some great goals. I just think he need snore mins.
Antonio fit is 💯% start but I can see how that can be frustrating for Haller Which you want. Don’t want a player just happy to take home cheque like Ozil. Hopefully Thales his chance if gets it & wins Moyes over like Fornals did at Anfield.
Bowen, Fornals, Antonio, Yarmolenko, Benrahma, Lanzini Snodgrass Masuaku… We have enough players to make up two very potent front 3 or 4