Paul Merson: Leeds may not be able to handle Michail Antonio
Leeds United welcome West Ham United to Elland Road this afternoon looking for their first Premier League win of the season.
It won’t be easy for Marcelo Bielsa, who is missing the majority of his first-team squad through injuries or suspensions.
Paul Merson has already shared his major worry going into this one, and it is all surrounding Michail Antonio.
Writing in his Sportskeeda column, Merson admitted that the Whites may not be able to handle the Jamaican international.
“If you watch Leeds United now, you’ll realize that teams are changing their players for the game and setting up accordingly to neutralize them – it’s a trend that has caught on in the Premier League,” he said.
“I think West Ham can win this game and if Michail Antonio plays, I don’t see how Leeds can live with his threat.”
Physical.
No one has had to deal with the same number of injuries and setbacks in the Premier League as Leeds have in the past couple of years.
Even Liverpool weren’t in that bad of a situation last season when they had to go out and buy two of three new defenders.
Liam Cooper may have to be partnered by either Kalvin Phillips or Premier League debutant Charlie Cresswell, and they couldn’t wish for a tougher test.
Antonio is one of the best strikers in the division known for his raw speed but pure strength when holding the ball and turning his man.
It appears a very hard task on paper to take anything from this game, but somehow we still believe, with Bielsa in charge anything is possible.
Should Cresswell help keep the Irons quiet, it will be hard to dislodge him from the side, he has earned this moment, hopefully, he takes it.
In other Leeds United news, Very good chance the Whites will launch major offer in January, player has exit agreement – report