New West Ham signing Jordan Hugill will start on the bench as the Hammers face Brighton in a key Premier League clash on Saturday afternoon, according to a club insider.
ExWHUemployee, who is an established source for reliable and exclusive Hammers information on Twitter, claimed on Saturday morning that Hugill will start as a substitute in his first game for the club.
Ex also reported that Michail Antonio, 27, is also in line for a place on the bench after the speed machine was axed from their squad to face Crystal Palace for being late for a team meeting.
Jordan Hugill will start on the bench for us today, as will Antonio (if he hasn’t been late for any meetings) ?
— ExWHUEmployee (@ExWHUEmployee) February 3, 2018
Hugill, 25, was a £10million deadline day signing for the Hammers, arriving at the London Stadium from Championship outfit Preston North End.
OPINION
It is no surprise to hear that Hugill will be eased into Premier League action after his move up from the Championship. The 25-year-old has impressed for Preston in his time at the club, but it is yet to be seen whether he can translate that form at the highest level. He certainly has the attitude and physicality for it, and his hold-up play will be a big asset for the Hammers going forward. Whether he will make his debut on Saturday is yet to be seen, but one thing for sure is that West Ham need a win. A loss will send the Seagulls level on points with them in the table, and will bunch up the relegation race even more.