The Hammers travel to Manchester City as the biggest outsiders in years to bring anything much back to Upton Park in tonight’s Capital One Cup clash.
And manager Sam Allardyce will delay naming a team from his injury-ravaged squad until just before kick off although there’s a chance he could have Mark Noble back from injury.
The one thing that looks certain is that Roger Johnson will be drafted into the back four where he could be partnered by George McCartney. Guy Demel and Joey O’Brien look set for the right and left back spots.
Joe Cole, Mark Noble, Ravel Morrison, Mohamed Diame and Matt Jarvis look the likely midfield five although Matt Taylor has a chance of a spot.
Carlton Cole is likely to take over from Modibo Maiga up front with Adrian presumably keeping the goalkeeping spot.
Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini has few injury concerns ahead of thes clash although it seems West Ham will be spared the Kun Aguero experience.
News from the Etihad is that although the player has recovered from injury he won’t be risked against us.
Jesus Navas has been ruled out with a knee injury and Micah Richards – despite being in training – will also not be risked.
Pellegrini is likely to name this team: Hart, Zabaletta, Kompany, Nastasic, Clichy, Toure, Fernandinho,Nasri, Negredo, Silva, Lopes.