West Ham expected to axe Michail Antonio amid ‘100 per cent’ claim – pundit
Gianluca Scamacca will make his full debut for West Ham on Thursday night against Viborg.
That is the view of former Spurs and England number one Paul Robinson, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about potential changes to David Moyes’s side for the European qualifier.
On Thursday (18 August), the Hammers take on Danish side Viborg at the London Stadium in the first leg of their Europa Conference League play-off.
West Ham are yet to score this season – drawing blanks against Man City and Nottingham Forest.
Michail Antonio has led the line in both of those Premier League fixtures.
Summer signing Scamacca has been in a second-half substitute in both games.
When asked by Football Insider if Scamacca will likely come in for Antonio against Viborg, Robinson said: “100 per cent.
“Scamacca will start on Thursday. There is only so long that they can continue with Antonio up there if he is not scoring. They spent a lot of money on Scamacca.
“Antonio is going to get fed up if he always gets dragged after an hour.
“David Moyes is pretty rigid in his formation and style of play. I cannot see him playing both of them up top, not unless they are chasing a game.
“I expect Scamacca to get his opportunity on Thursday and it is up to him to give the manager a decision to make at the weekend.”
In other news, Kieran Maguire has claimed could West Ham reap rewards from their ‘close links’ as a three-year deal is struck.