So now we turn our attention to Wales and Newport County as the Hammers again set out on a search for that seemingly ever elusive trophy.
With nine points from their opening games, including a 1-0 home win over Crewe yesterday, the Welsh sit fifth in their league and it will be intriguing to see what sort of team the boss puts out on Tuesday evening.
Obviously there will be several changes. In a perfect world there should be no question about us beating League Two opposition but the reality is that as we saw last season terrible shocks can always be lurking.
With strong rumours that Nathan Holland could be included it will be interesting to see if the boss goes the same way as he did against Macclesfield last season when handing one or two of our youth players their chance.
I’m not really expecting that although midfielder Conor Coventry may well get a shout but this is the team and can see the boss using the opportunity to take a look at new boys Goncalo Cardoso and Albian Ajeti.
This may be close to the starting line up:
Roberto; Johnson, Balbuena, Cardoso, Cresswell; Noble, Rice; Snodgrass, Holland, Lanzini, Ajeti. Bench: Martin, Zaba, Ogbonna, Coventry, Antonio, Chicharito (if fit), Anderson.
It wil be interesting on Tuesday to see if MP introduces the younger additions to the first team squad. But your suggested inclusion of Noble and Rice, Hugh, just shows to me how little cover we have in CDM. And Noble has only just returned from injury and will be vital against a free-scoring and free-running Norwich. If Sanchez is to play a real part in our squad, he really should be starting, in my opinion. Apart from his error against Wolves, we hardly saw him last season so he maybe has the opportunity to show what he can really do. Newport will be a tough match and there’ll be no room for passengers or shrinking violets. So, I suppose I’ve just changed my mind – Noble should play after all! You were right, Hugh … COYI.
Definitely the chance to blood the youngers, give a chance to Holland, Coventry and the new guys. Would like to see Rice, Noble and Lanzini rested and an easy home draw in the next round.
I think we’ll see Wilshere and Snodgrass start as suggested by Pelle.
We need to play Dave Martin goal, Roberto has not covered himself in glory in the pre-season matches
Cant disagree with what others have said – definitely Lanzini should be rested, we have many creative midfielders and need to wrap him in cotton wool. I would also like Zaba to get a run-out to get him match fit as he may be needed in later matches
We should not take Newport lightly but hopefully will have too much for them even if we rest a few players
Surely Yarmalenko will play a part?
Put Noble . Lanzini .Rice on the bench and start some of our youth .perfect opportunity to see what they have to offer..Snoddy and Sanchez in the middle at some time could work IMO
Dave, you obviously didn’t see Martin during the week against Brentford B where he was diabolical.
Would like to see Zaba play on the right of defence or as a cdm as he has before at city also Johnson on the left of defence, Yarmolenko should play as should noble..