The cameras will be at Newport County's ground for a reason tomorrow evening, the Carabao cup fixture against West Ham will more than likely be the home team's match of the season, and is a potentially massive banana skin for the Barclays Premier League side to avoid. Having lost to Wimbledon if the FA Cup by fielding an under strength side, Manuel Pellegrini will have to make sensible decisions ahead of this match.
Obviously Pelle will not put out a premier league fixture team and will look to give game time to peripheral players and those returning from injury, however he will be mindful of how important a good cup run can be and will therefore make a raft of changes, but retain his 'big guns' on the bench should they be needed. Will he play Mark Noble? Logic says no, in order for Mr West Ham to rest up ahead of Saturday's game against Norwich, but Noble's influence is so important at this moment in time his presence on the pitch would be surely missed.
Wilshere, Balbuena, Cresswell and Zabaleta will start, as will Albian Ajeti whose inclusion has already been confirmed by his manager. Roberto's role as keeper will fill many fans with fear judging from his earlier stints between the sticks in pre-season, but it is part of the arrangement for a number two keeper. Connor Coventry and Nathan Holland are also likely to feature, as will new signings Pablo Fornals and Gonçalo Cardoso.
It is to be hoped that Hammers have sufficient fire power on hand to dispense their lower league rivals, but this match is an accident waiting to happen and great care will need to be taken, as will the need to show the opposition respect, because they will up for it-big time! - Ed
Comments
Moose cup
Unfortunately it's a cant win situation no trust in keeper ,imo back 4 should have as much time together as possible rest noble and wrap him in cotton wool