Key West Ham Duo Expected Back For Sheffield Clash
Good news for West Ham as key duo Angelo Ogbonna and Michail Antonio are expected to be fit for the trip to Sheffield United.
David Moyes will be glad to know that when he takes his West Ham side up north to play Sheffield United in the Premier League, he will have two key members of his squad back. The Scot has been without Michail Antonio since he was forced off against Manchester City.
The in-form striker scored a wonderful overhead kick against the Citizens but was forced off after before the hour with a hamstring injury. Since Antonio’s absence, Sebastien Haller has had to deputise in the striker position.
The club’s record signing has divided West Ham fans with his performances. Some fans believe Haller lacks work ethic and is lazy, whereas others believe he is a clever player who does not receive the right service from his supporting players. Either way, Haller failed to adequately replace Antonio in terms of fitting into David Moyes’ system.
With Antonio returning to fitness, the match against Sheffield United could be Haller’s last chance to start a match and make his mark. The Ivorian scored on his debut for the national side against Madagascar and will be hoping to bring back that momentum to the Premier League. If the 26-year-old fails again, then Antonio will be ready to replace him.
Angelo Ogbonna will also be ready for action come the match against the Blades. The Italian picked up an injury against Fulham in a challenge with Aleksandar Mitrovic. Fans and Moyes were concerned as the 33-year-old has become West Ham’s best central defender in recent months.
In Moyes’ new defensive system, Ogbonna’s abilities have proved to be vital to its success. So when the Italian returned to training, the manager must have been jubilant to have his leader in the defence back.
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The Hammers currently sit in the eleventh position in the Premier League eight points above the relegation zone, and only five points off of Southampton in the Champions League spots. A win against the Blades could see West Ham climb to seventh place, depending on other results.