Callum Wilson has told Michail Antonio to expect a ‘fight’ when his West Ham United side host Leeds United on Sunday.
The two Premier League marksmen were speaking on the latest episode of The Footballer’s Football Podcast, with Wilson responding to Antonio’s question about how Leeds play under new boss Sam Allardyce.
Wilson was, of course, in action against the Whites himself last weekend with Newcastle United in a hard-fought 2-2 draw.
The England international scored both Magpies goals from the penalty spot at Elland Road, in what was a feisty affair between the two sides.
Wilson tells Antonio what to expect from Leeds
Given the desperate nature of the situation, Allardyce has completely altered the way Leeds play during his opening two matches.
The Whites have been far more compact at the back, while looking to play on the counter-attack and take advantage of set-piece situations.
Ahead of West Ham’s meeting with Leeds on Sunday, Wilson told Antonio to expect an aggressive approach from a side who are happy to ‘make the game scrappy’.
“So, you want some inside info, yeah. Let me see what I can do for you.
“They are a side where they are on the front foot. They will press. They will rat around. Try and get in your face. Tackle. Break up play. Make the game scrappy.
“When you are trying to play your nice football, they want it to become a bit of a fight. A bit of a mess really.
“They are good at set-pieces. Crosses into the box, like the two goals we conceded. Long throws. That’s the kind of game that it is. They are fighting for their lives. They have got that desire.”
Leeds fans should be happy to hear this from someone who has experienced first-hand what they are currently like to play against.
The squad was accused of showing a lack of fight and desire under Javi Gracia in April, but that has clearly not been the case since Allardyce’s arrival.
While it may not be easy on the eye, if it gets the job done there will be no complaints.