2. Getting bodies around Antonio
Michail Antonio is expected to start up front for the Hammers but the pacey forward has struggled up top in games where the midfield sits deep. For Antonio to really be successful in the lone role he needs support, particularly from creative forces such as Manuel Lanzini and Robert Snodgrass. Hornets boss Walter Mazzarri has favoured a classic 4-3-3 system in recent times and Antonio risks getting shut out of the game by Watford’s three deep lying midfielders in Cleverley, Capoue and Behrami. If Lanzini, Snodgrass and Feghouli trust Pedro Obiang to sweep up any mess and support Antonio when the Hammers press up the pitch, then West Ham have a far higher chance of achieving a vital three points.
