Jarrod Bowen may have pledged to give everything to try and instil a winning mentality upon his fellow Hammers, but Nuno Espírito Santo will be the one responsible for balancing Premier League game time commitments alongside the undoubted need to try and secure a home win this afternoon, regardless of the fact that it is ‘only’ the FA cup.
The team have been boosted by Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s return from AFCON (whilst el Hadji-Malick Diouf’s Senegal are on their way to the semi finals having overcome Mali in the quarter final tie last Friday).
Quite whether Nuno risks Wan Bissaka so soon after travelling remains to be seen: More than likely he’ll use Walker Peters and Scarles again as full back starters.
Scarles – likely starter at left back
The perennial problem remains at the centre of defence with the dreadful duo of Mavropanos or Kilman the only alternatives to Jean Clair Todibo who still looked short on fitness last time out. Perhaps Nuno will pull off one of his classic ‘switcheroo’ starting elevens with players used in different starting slots.
It’s now or never if he wants to see how Magassa or Golambeckis perform as centre backs: He’s unfortunately in a no-win situation as he’ll likely be slated whoever he starts.
A fit squad at this time of year is pretty much unheard of . It does at least offer the Hammers an opportunity to try and impress their beleaguered fans and grab a home win. However much we’d like to see Kanté and Golambeckis start, experience suggests Nuno is too cautious for such indulgences:
So our best guess for Nuno’s XI:
Areola | Walker Peters Todibo Mavropanos Scarles | Potts, Rodriguez, Paquetá | Bowen, Castellanos, Summerville
Score predictions
Martin 1 – 1 West Ham lose on penalties AET
Matt 1 – 0 West Ham win
Gonzo 2 – 1 West Ham win
Sean 0 – 1 QPR win
Check back at 13.30 for Nuno’s starting eleven reveal. We’ll have ‘Player ratings’ and ‘Nuno: Rated or slated’ articles after the full time whistle.
Start with the strongest eleven, don’t underestimate QPR who will be up for it. We need a win, some momentum to build in etc. COYI⚒
Please don’t play academy players we need to win and get the morale back in the club and players
Put the new guys up front and tell them to just try and Score
QPR Won’t be a easy game
If Rodriguez plays we loose. Far too slow, will get caught holding the ball too long. Play the young player’s how will you judge them if you play them.
I’d like to see the strongest 11 start the game, really attack them and get a couple of goals up at half time. Then make a few changes but still go at them. Yes we need a strong defensive display in all matches, but attack is the best form of defence. For far too long we’ve been getting stuck in our own half, inviting pressure and that makes it so much harder for our defenders. I feel they’d be better if they weren’t under constant threat. The attack needs to run more, press high and relieve the pressure on our defenders. I was frustrated with Summerville against Forest at times, as he had the opportunity to win possession high up, but instead he casually backed off and allowed Forest to play out and then the rest of the Hammers players had to retreat. It’s so frustrating to watch! We make it harder for ourselves! Same goes for the attack, too often there are chances to swiftly open a team up, but a couple of sideways passes and the opposition get everyone behind the ball. It’s clear there is a lack of urgency and effort in this side, they need a reboot (up the backside)!