Joleon Lescott has backed West Ham striker Michail Antonio to run a riot against Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds United team. The Yorkshire based side travel to the London Stadium on Monday; the Hammers will be hoping to collect three points and climb towards the Champions League places.
The former two time Premier League winner has earmarked Antonio as West Ham’s dangerman for the game. Lescott sees Antonio’s pace and power as the key to breaking Leeds United’s pressing tactics. The 30-year-old has become the spearhead of the Hammers attack and has already scored seven goals this season.
"“This game suits West Ham. I think the spaces that Leeds leave at the back and Antonio one v one. He will isolate someone and destroy them.”Lescott on Antonio"
Michail Antonio’s performance against Leeds will be key to West Ham, according to Joleon Lescott, who is backing the inform striker to ‘destroy’.
Leeds pressing game under Bielsa has delivered some mixed results this season. The Whites, at times, have played some brilliant attacking football and have destroyed some teams. Leeds managed to put five goals pasty Newcastle and West Brom. However, it has left them exposed at times, and they have conceded a lot of goals in certain games.
Arsenal, Manchester United, Crystal Palace, Liverpool and Leicester City all put four or more goals past the Leeds defence. Against the Red Devils, they conceded a massive six goals. The Whites have proven to have one of the worst defences in the league but one of the most potent attacks at times.
Antonio missed the reverse fixture at Elland Road, and former Hammer Sebastien Haller led the line on that night. The Frenchman had one of his better games. However, he was at fault for the opening goal. If Antonio can play his normal game, then David Moyes will be hoping Lescott’s prediction is correct.
In West Ham’s previous match against Manchester City, they had plenty of chances to counter-attack. Unfortunately, they made too many sloppy passes. If the players cut those out and feed Antonio with quality service, he could have a field day.