West Ham vs. Southampton: Opposition threat

By Marc Walker | Mar 30, 2018

HUDDERSFIELD, ENGLAND - JANUARY 13: Manuel Lanzini of West Ham United celebrates after scoring his sides fourth goal with Mark Noble of West Ham United and Aaron Cresswell of West Ham United during the Premier League match between Huddersfield Town and West Ham United at John Smith's Stadium on January 13, 2018 in Huddersfield, England. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images) /

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LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 09: Michail Antonio of West Ham United in action during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Chelsea at London Stadium on December 9, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images) /

Michail Antonio

Forward Antonio is regarded well on the South Coast having had a successful loan spell with Southampton during the 2009/10 season. He even scored at Wembley in Saints’ 4-1 Johnstone’s Paint Trophy win.

The 28-year-old is likely to be deployed as a right-winger against Saints on Saturday, but his ability to play in other positions has seen him play as a striker and even a full-back.

After some impressive form last season, Antonio hasn’t quite been able to replicate that in 2017/18. The pace and power he brings West Ham cannot be underestimated.

Crosses from left-back Aaron Cresswell often find the back-post area where Antonio could be a threat arriving with his aerial ability.