Michail Antonio might not be able to make it back into the West Ham starting lineup for Sunday’s match against Fulham (10 December).
On Thursday, December 7, Hammers insiders Claret and Hugh revealed that the Jamaican international might be fit to play against the Cottagers following his recuperation from a knee injury.
Nevertheless, David Moyes is unlikely to immediately bring the 33-year-old back into the fold, especially in light of the Irons’ 2-1 triumph against Tottenham on Thursday in London.
The Scotsman is expected to stick with the starting lineup that defeated Spurs despite the short turnaround because he is known for favoring stability, particularly once his team has achieved a favorable outcome.
Because of his outstanding performance against the North Londoners and his substitution for the injured Alphonse Areola, Lukasz Fabianski will continue to start for West Ham.
Vladimir Coufal will undoubtedly maintain his spot in the starting lineup against Craven Cottage following his outstanding performance on Thursday, offering width down the right.
Captain Kurt Zouma and fellow center-back Nayef Aguerd will join him in the backline, and Emerson, who also gave a standout performance against Spurs, will start at left-back.
Edson Alvarez received his typical yellow card on Thursday—his seventh in just 13 Premier League games—but he will play deep-lying midfield with James Ward-Prowse on Sunday, helping to win the game.
Tomas Soucek, who has been playing a bit deeper against Spurs, will sit in front of his midfield teammates against Fulham in a more advanced role, hoping to get on the end of crosses into the box.
Lucas Paqueta, if fit after suffering a knock in the first half at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, will roam freely off the left, while Mohammed Kudus will start on the right side of the attack.
Jarrod Bowen will once again be the leader of the Irons’ line as he attempts to maintain his amazing scoring record away from home this season, with Antonio expected to wait for his return to the starting lineup.
