Michail Antonio tipped for West Ham axe after latest development – pundit
Noel Whelan has backed West Ham to start Gianluca Scamacca in place of Michail Antonio following his scoring exploits in the Europa Conference League.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the 23-year-old is “full of confidence and belief” and “deserves his chance” to lead the line against Aston Villa on Sunday (28 August).
Scamacca is yet to start a Premier League game since signing last month but has scored in back-to-back starts in the Europa Conference League against Viborg.
Speaking to club media before Sunday’s match, manager David Moyes revealed the Italy international is “much closer to fitness” as he gets “ready for Premier League football”.
Scamacca, who scored 16 goals in 36 Serie A appearances last term, cost West Ham a reported £35.5million.
The Irons have lost all three of their league engagements so far and are yet to find the net in the top flight.
When asked if Scamacca should start in place of Antonio, Whelan told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury: “I think he’s got to.
“When goalscorers are scoring in midweek, it doesn’t matter what competition it’s in – you’ve got to start that player.
“That’s a player full of confidence and belief, so you’ve got to go with someone who is in that confident move.
“Right now he is stamping his authority on that striker spot.
“He’s scoring goals, getting assists, working hard – and I think he now deserves this opportunity in the Premier League.”
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