West Ham handed massive boost in preparation for London derby

West Ham has one of the toughest schedules coming up and with the recent news of Michail Antonio returning from injury, they could deal with the demand ahead.

David Moyes handed all Hammers a massive lift before an all-important London derby where they play a Tottenham side showcasing some terrible Premier League form of late.

The boost comes in the shape of Michail Antonio who was pictured training with the team after being a doubt for Sunday’s early afternoon clash.

He has already missed their last two fixtures, which was their FA Cup loss to Manchester United and the 3-0 drubbing of Sheffield United. The manager is hopeful he can make the EPL fixture two days from now.

David Moyes on Michail Antonio:

"Michail has a good chance of being available for Sunday because he’s had three days training.We’ve always been careful with Mich in trying to get him right, but he was close for the last game. We didn’t quite think it was worth the risk.He’s not been training with the group every day, but he’s been doing some individual work and hopefully we’ll know a bit more tomorrow. (Via: whufc.com)"

In his absence goals have been coming from all over the pitch

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The five-goal forward was missed but the team has coped with the asking in his absence. Thankfully, Antonio will not be missing for a long period. The test could have proved too much for Jarrod Bowen, who has filled the hole left by Michail Antonio.

They go up against a North London team collecting inconsistent results, however, like the Hammers have their hitman back in training, Tottenham have Harry Kane back from his injury – and he was rested for their midweek Europa League victory over Wolfsberg.

Kane on request missed the round of 32 European clash in a bid to keep himself fit for this weekend’s derby. We can count on the Spurs striker being available for selection. For the returning Antonio, it could be different.

Our team over at Green Street Hammers predict David Moyes will keep the team as is, with Michail being introduced later in the game. The only question left to ask is… What is the bigger risk, leave him on the bench or put his name down in the starting XI?

Following Tottenham are some tall orders

West Ham’s next six requires Moyes to use his squad wisely and sparingly. Maybe easing Michail back into action will be best suited for the schedule following their Spurs clash.

West Ham’s next six

• Manchester City vs. West Ham
• West Ham vs. Leeds United
• Manchester United vs. West Ham
• West Ham vs. Arsenal
• Wolves vs. West Ham

A lineup of both Manchester clubs, a high scoring Leeds United, another London derby and a Wolves clash is no easy run. The fight to stay in the top five/six hangs on the management of the players over the course of these next fixtures.

Moyes has big decisions to make to continue enjoying this amazing season they are having.