Could Michail Antonio be set to deputise for the ageing Pablo Zabaleta?

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West Ham United manager Manuel Pellegrini could turn to Michail Antonio to play at right-back as the team head into the Christmas period.

The Irons have seven fixtures to play in December, and it’s going to be a big test of his squad’s fitness levels.

Pellegrini admitted in his press conference that it would be impossible for Pablo Zabaleta to play all seven matches.

The Argentine, as good as he has been this season, is going to be 34 in January and simply doesn’t have the same legs as he did during his Manchester City days.

The star is currently the only available right back to Pellegrini though, and the 64-year-old tactician will have to do some thinking.

Something he may wish to try, is using utility man Michail Antonio there to cover the fatigued Zabaleta.

Antonio is the logical alternative

The Englishman is no stranger to playing right back. He played there a number of times during Slaven Bilic’s time in charge and actually did very well covering for the likes of Sam Byram and Alvaro Arbeloa.

This season Pellegrini has used Antonio as a right winger and up front, but has been poor in the final third.

He could be of more use playing right-back, with his pace and power likely to aid him against opposing wingers.

Antonio still has a lot to prove at West Ham, and this could be his chance to show everyone he can still be a useful squad player.

Ryan Fredericks being injured surely means he must be considered to take some of the responsibility away from Zabaleta.