Pundit Exclusive: West Ham backed to axe in-form player tonight after ‘Huge’ update
West Ham boss David Moyes should drop Sebastien Haller and start Michail Antonio against Aston Villa tonight.
That is according to former England number one Paul Robinson, speaking exclusively to Football Insider correspondent Dylan Childs about the selection dilemma facing Moyes this evening.
Antonio has missed the last three Premier League matches due to a hamstring injury sustained in the 1-1 draw with Manchester City prior to the international break.
Moyes revealed on Friday that the attacker has stepped up his recovery in training this week and he is expected to be in contention to feature at the London Stadium tonight.
Club-record signing Sebastien Haller has played in the absence of Antonio and scored the winner against Sheffield United last time out.
When asked by Football Insider if Haller had done enough to retain his place ahead of a potentially fit Antonio, Robinson said: “Haller has not done enough since he has been there.
“Antonio has been outstanding this season, he has taken on a lot of responsibility and it would be very harsh not to start him against Aston Villa tonight. I would bring Antonio back in. For me, if he is fit he starts ahead of Haller.
“He has been so important for them this year and I think he has more than earned the right to come back in prior to his injury.
“He has had a huge impact on the team playing in that lone striker role and I think he will play if he’s fit.”
In other West Ham news, it can be REVEALED the club are ‘gutted’ to have been beaten by Rangers to 6-figure signing.