West Ham boss Moyes wants 'fresh and in-form' Antonio for Man City clash | OneFootball

West Ham boss David Moyes hopes to have Michail Antonio fresh for their clash with Manchester City.

Moyes decided to leave the former Nottingham Forest man at home as West Ham travelled to Austria for Thursday night's Europa League win over Rapid Vienna, hoping to have him fresh for City.

Antonio should benefit from the rest, though there is a hope within the staff that it may also send a message that his recent form has not been good enough.

"He is really important to the team in the way we play," Moyes said. "He gives us a figurehead and gives the opposition different problems.

"So we need him on top form. And it's good because it's always good to have come here and not needed him. So we were able to give him a bit of a rest and hopefully, he will benefit now over the coming weeks."