Given West Ham’s precarious position in the Premier League, there will understandably be calls for Nuno Espírito Santo to rotate his team for Monday night’s FA Cup clash against Brentford.
Personally, I don’t agree.
If the fixture were sandwiched between two crucial Premier League matches with little or no recovery time, then of course survival would take priority. But with a five-day gap between games and back-to-back home fixtures, there is little reason why West Ham shouldn’t go all-out for a proper run in the FA Cup.
In fact, you could argue that the competition has actually helped West Ham rediscover some form. Victories against Queens Park Rangers and Burton Albion have clearly boosted confidence around the squad.
West Ham Should Back Momentum Rather Than Rotate
There is also the obvious issue that West Ham simply don’t have the squad depth to make sweeping changes.
But make no mistake — with the strongest XI on the pitch, Brentford are a very beatable side.
There will inevitably be calls to wrap certain players in cotton wool, and I would understand if Espírito Santo chose to rest players such as Matthias Fernandes and Crysencio Summerville. You could also make a reasonable case for giving Jarrod Bowen a breather.
However, for me that’s about as far as the rotation should go — and even then all three would remain on the bench.
I would still select Axel Disasi in central defence and continue to deploy Taty Castellanos in attack to give the Hammers the best possible chance of progressing.
Such has been the lift in mood around the club recently that there is little reason to halt the momentum now.
If anything, West Ham should be looking to continue their resurgence — both in the league and in the FA Cup
Honestly, it’s really a 50/50 for me and can see arguments both ways.
If it’s a straight “Survival or FA Cup win?” question then survival wins 100% obviously, but if the worst case scenario comes about and we go down and had put a weakened side out in the cup and not had a proper go of it then it’d feel a missed opportunity.
Like people seem to overlook how close we were to relegation when we won the Conference League yet I don’t think a single person would have said to play the kids in Europe and, well, we ended up with survival and a cup.
So why not look to repeat that?
Great comment Maceph. Very sensible.
Also, our new team are still learning to play with each other. More proper game time together can only be better for everyone.
If the going gets tough against Brentford, we can always drop down a gear or two and just go through the motions and save our best efforts for the League.
COYI
You can’t be serious?!! The very future of our club is at stake, based on our perilous financial affairs. Castellanos, although pretty goal shy let’s be honest, is integral to our forward line, if he were to get injured we’d be very fortunate to not be relegated. Disasi, Todibo, Fernandes, Wan Bissaka, Diouf, Summerville and Bowen should all be rested. We’ll be drawn away at Liverpool or City in the next round anyway!
Premier League survival, in this season more than any other, is absolutely critical. The cup will be there next season. Go down and most of our current squad won’t be
It’s a difficult decision to make. Staying in the premiership must take priority.
I think the keeper/ defence should absolutely continue as a unit.
I’d be interested to see Traore used centrally up front initially as Taty has stated his preference as having a ‘Pablo’ around.
Other than that, if we have benched ‘rested’ players available in case of need, two or three changes could be in his plans. I doubt he’ll go wholesale, as Burton nearly went tits.
Agreed, momentum is key and also a valuable distraction.
I’d play Mavropanos, kilman, Scarles, mangassa, Potts, traore. All players we might need during the season to be match fit and ready to come on and make a difference as subs or if we had any injuries or red cards. Premier league should be the priority.
Spot on Gonzo 👍
I don’t think Nuno will risk Taty, so probably Wilson with Ajala would be an interesting experiment
Give Bowen a rest.