Michail Antonio has sent Callum Wilson a warning as West Ham prepare to take on Newcastle in the Premier League.
The West Ham No.9 meets the Newcastle No.9 in east London on Wednesday night in what is a crucial game for both the Hammers and the Magpies.
Eddie Howe is in need of three points to keep his side in the mix for a Champions League qualification spot, whereas David Moyes must win as his side find themselves outside of the relegation zone on nothing but goal difference.
Now, Antonio and Wilson have discussed the clash.
What’s the story?
Well, the Jamaica international and the England international chat regularly on The Footballer’s Football Podcast.
In Tuesday’s episode, Antonio playfully states that he isn’t going to let Wilson score, and will even go as far as kicking the £20m man to make sure of it.
The 33-year-old said: “I’m ready for you. I’m not letting you score. You’re not going to score. I’m gonna kick you. I’m not going to lie, I’m going to kick you.”
Wilson showed his good sense of humour by hitting back with: “I’ve got to get on the pitch first.”
The 31-year-old has lost his place in the starting XI to Alexander Isak in recent weeks, but did manage to find the net after coming on against Manchester United in Sunday’s 2-0 win.
West Ham can take a huge stride against Newcastle
While it goes without saying that West Ham need to win this game, it arguably carries more significance due to the fact it is one of their two games in hand over relegation rivals.
As things stand, everyone else in the bottom half has played 29 games, whereas West Ham have only played 27.
Therefore, if Moyes can win tonight’s clash and also his other game in hand, it would give the Hammers some real breathing room in what is a significantly congested relegation scrap.
Of course, Newcastle – currently sat third in the Premier League – will undoubtedly make things difficult, so West Ham will have to bring their A game to pick up three points.
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