West Ham United trio Robert Snodgrass, Michail Antonio and Samir Nasri could all potentially replace playmaker Manuel Lanzini against Leicester City on Saturday, according to Football London.
The outlet claims that the Argentine is almost certain to miss the London Stadium clash after picking up an injury in the defeat to Manchester United last time out, meaning that manager Manuel Pellegrini will likely have to make at least one change from that game.
Nasri would appear to be the most natural candidate to replace the 26-year-old given that they are extremely similar types of players.
Snodgrass and Antonio also have experience on the wings, but neither are as dynamic or creative as Lanzini. The latter did make a big impact off the bench against United, though.
OPINION
At this point it would be very surprising if Lanzini were to line up in the West Ham team against Leicester, particularly from the start. With that being the case someone will have to come in and replace him. As mentioned, Nasri is the obvious candidate. He and Lanzini play similar sorts of games. They’re players who operate between the lines, looking to make things happen and provide the cutting edge that West Ham have so often been missing this season. Snodgrass and Antonio both offer something a bit different, though. The former is a tireless worker who produces tremendous set pieces deliveries. The latter, meanwhile, is an explosive powerhouse who is the biggest goal threat of the three. Furthermore he did really well in his brief time on the pitch against United. It depends what sort of approach Pellegrini wants to take to this game, while Grady Diangana is also an option. However, at this moment in time Nasri, if he’s fit enough, would appear to be the best bet.
