West Ham in Carabao Cup action
David Moyes’ West Ham look to continue their strong Carabao Cup run as they take on Tottenham Hotspur in the quarter-final stage.
The Hammers have already beaten Manchester United in the third round, and Manchester City in the fourth round, in order to get to this stage, and will have to find another massive performance in order to overcome a strong Tottenham side, albeit without Heung Min-Son.
Our quarter-final starting XI! ? pic.twitter.com/Y8l9OXa4Ws
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) December 22, 2021
The Hammers themselves have also fielded a strong side, reverting to a back three and welcoming back Ben Johnson after injury. although Aaron Cresswell remains out so Athur Masuaku continues to fill in.
Tonight’s line-up for our @Carabao_Cup quarter-final…#TOTWHU | @betway pic.twitter.com/SdH49ZtvH4
— West Ham United (@WestHam) December 22, 2021
The big news, however, was the lack of Michail Antonio.
Why Antonio is missing
Eyebrows were raised when Michail Antonio was not spotted in the squad, even though he has not netted in the Premier League since September.
Ben Johnson returns to the XI following a hamstring injury, while Ryan Fredericks is named amongst the substitutes.
No Michail Antonio is the squad.
? Table: https://t.co/cckOHhGs0b#WHUFC @Carabao_Cup https://t.co/Zqxv7WV3Hq
— Ben Dinnery (@BenDinnery) December 22, 2021
However, as per reliable source @EXWHUemployee on Twitter, the Jamaican star misses out after having tested positive for COVID-19.
??⚒ https://t.co/vXIrGicW1h pic.twitter.com/4evg5gFokP
— ExWHUemployee (@ExWHUemployee) December 22, 2021
This will almost certainly rule him out of his side’s Boxing Day clash with Southampton as the Hammers look to reclaim a spot in the top 4 after stuttering as of late.
More broadly, however, it does reinforce their clear need for another striker come January, with Jarrod Bowen being asked to lead the line this evening against Spurs but not a long term solution should anything more serious happen to Antonio.
Will the Hammers move for another frontman?