Nuno Espirito Santo has a clear choice with the FA cup fixture tomorrow: It can be seen as an irritating distraction from the life or death Premier League struggle in which the club are embroiled, or alternatively seen as a springboard from which to launch a more robust style – starting with a winning mindset and some momentum re-established at London Stadium.
A win – any win – would be a breath of fresh air whilst a loss against mid table Championship opposition would accelerate the Hammers’ nosedive. So victory at any price is crucial. It is most certainly not the ‘sideshow’ many are labelling the cup tie.
However the opportunity exists to combine talented youngsters and fringe players with the established squad to bring in new blood – and defender Airidas Golambeckis is one to consider for his West Ham debut against their championship opponents. Golambeckis has been on the bench several times and is ready for the next step.
In any case, West Ham have failed so far to being in centre back reinforcements for the Mavropanos – Kilman combination which has failed spectacularly to keep even just one clean sheet.
Airidas Golambeckis – ready for the step up to starting XI
Jean Clair Todibo, who returned against Nottingham Forest, is clearly still building up after his latest injury – so Sunday’s game is an opportunity to give West Ham’s u21 skipper a chance to take the step into first team football. Mark Noble’s words – when the youngster signed a new contract last year- clearly indicate that Golambeckis is ready:
“He’s a great kid and a top player. Being captain of our Under-21s team at such a young age is a real honour, but he’s still got loads to learn. He’s another one that we’ve got real high hopes for. We would like to see him in our first team squad soon and I really believe he’s got a chance.”
Golambeckis has fulfilled that promise and made the squad; perhaps tomorrow is his chance to step seamlessly into first team football.
Great to see, let’s see a lot more of the youngster
Where is Kante and Cummings
Shame Earthy ha gone out on loan again
Shame we are not Pursuing Cresswell hope we are not loosing him because of the price. He is a young player one for he future. I think a 32 year old being looked at is no good in my opinion
Hope he gives Kante a start also. Great if we can get through a round or two, might breed some confidence. But after that the priority has to be the slim chance of staying up so think he will need to rest some key players for any cup games.
Many of the academy players have been good prospects.
Needs to play him, with general trend, could be sent out on loan by end January.
Nuno certainly knows how to diminish the squad.
Not sure who makes worst decisions Sullivan or Nuno.
Two peas in a pod.
100% the right thing to do . He will undoubtedly be a better bet than Kilman. I must say Tobido also is so much better when Kilman is not in the side . COYI
Don’t want to put a dampener on things but the u21s have a big cup game at Wimbledon on Monday night. So will they play Sunday or Monday? They’re the only academy side left in both the EFL Trophy and National League Cup. The final for the trophy is at Wembley I think so can we get a day out distraction?