The Kids Are United: No Sham United For Blues Visit

Having finally found our stride under Manuel Pellegrini, a cup run looks like an enticing prospect despite our injury problems. The cup can also provide an excellent opportunity to give some of our promising youngsters a chance to strut their stuff - something that Pellegrini has not been shy about. With Declan Rice now established as the central cog of our midfield, Grady Diangana gaining valuable match experience by the week and Conor Coventry having made a few matchday squads, it's all looking very youth-friendly. However, all eyes will be on Xande Silva today. The Portuguese hot shot gets his first start for the Hammers and will be looking to make his mark!


Pelle has almost certainly been asked to avoid an embarrassing defeat to Messers Gold n Sullivan's former club who are looking well organised under the impressive Gary Monk and will be no push over today. As such, the starting XI is strong with Diop and Ogbonna at the centre of the defence. and Arnie up front. There is plenty of quality on the bench if things don't go according to plan in the first hour! 

Samir Nasri gets his first start for the Hammers and will be hoping to demonstrate his value after a prolonged break from top class action. Sadly for Reece Oxford, there is no room in the squad, further demonstrating how far he has drifted off course since that impressive debut against Arsenal back at the start of Slaven Bilic's reign.

Rory Nostradamus reckons it'll be a 4-2 cracker.

Kick off is 12.30.

COYI!!!

West Ham United: Adrian (c), Antonio, Diop, Ogbonna, Masuaku, Rice, Obiang, Diangana, Nasri, Xande Silva, Arnautovic

Subs: Fabianski, Cresswell, Coventry, Snodgrass, Felipe Anderson, Lucas Perez, Carroll