The West Ham fans in the Football Transfer Tavern are expecting a tough test against Man Utd in the EFL Cup…
West Ham have been struggling in the Premier League this season – but the cup represents an entirely different beast for the London side.
Bilic has slowly been turning his side around, but whilst the West Ham fans in the Football Transfer Tavern are slowing starting to regain their faith in their manager – there is a lot of work still to do.
With a decent Premier League finish seemingly no longer on the cards, a decent run in a domestic cup is the best that Bilic can hope for this season – but standing in his way is a tough test against Man Utd.
The Mourinho-led side have, similarly, had a disappointing campaign so far – so all eyes will be on the game, and Bilic will be expected to pick a team that can do a job on the Manchester giants.
With that said, Bilic simply must field this West Ham XI against Man Utd in the EFL Cup
GK – Darren Randolph
Darren Randolph was the star of the show against Man Utd on Sunday – and you would expect a similar performance in midweek.
He has excelled as of late, and his performance at the weekend certainly gave Bilic a lifeline. The West Ham boss will be hoping that he can do it again on Wednesday.
Will have to be on top form to stop Man Utd’s deadly attack.
CB – Cheikh Kouyate
The midfielder-come-defender has impressed in recent weeks, and given the resilience of West Ham’s defence at the weekend – you would expect little to change in mid-week.
He was tested down the flank but coped well – and will be expected to do more of the same.
CB – Angelo Ogbonna
The standout performer in the West Ham defence at the weekend.
He will need to be the leader in this back line, with Ibrahimovic’s presence a very real threat.
CB – James Collins
James Collins was at fault for the equaliser, but other than that – he looked good.
It would be a shame for him to lose his place, though that could happen.
RWB – Michail Antonio
Impressive defensively, excellent going forward – Michail Antonio has been the surprise package in the West Ham first team this season.
He offers a very real goal threat, but he continues to be solid. He will need a repeat performance.
CM – Pedro Obiang
Pedro Obiang is the physical presence that West Ham need against a very dominant Man Utd side.
With players like Ibrahimovic and Fellaini in their side, Man Utd are a strong team – and Obiang will need to be on form, especially from set pieces.
CM – Mark Noble
Whilst he has not been at the races thus far this season, there is no doubting that West Ham are a better side when Mark Noble plays.
This is a big game, so he will certainly be up for it.
LWB – Aaron Cresswell
Aaron Cresswell is the perfect wing-back: he is solid defensively, threatening offensively – and he is the perfect transitional piece between attack and defence.
He has struggled a bit this season, but there is no doubting his qualities – and when on form, there is nobody better.
LW – Dimitri Payet
The star of the show.
Dimitri Payet is, undoubtedly, one of the best players in the Premier League – and much of West Ham’s success this season will ride upon his decent performances.
He set up a goal at the weekend, and always looks dangerous. He will need to be on top form to beat De Gea.
RW – Manuel Lanzini
Manuel Lanzini was one of the poorer players at the weekend, but given a lack of options for Bilic – it seems likely that he will play.
Despite his poor performance, he can normally pull a decent one out of the bag when needed – and Wednesday will definitely be one of those nights.
ST – Ashley Fletcher
Diafra Sakho looked good at the weekend, but he looks set to miss the mid-week clash after suffering a hamstring injury.
Ashley Fletcher came on in his place, and looked good, if unspectacular.
He will have a point to prove against his old club, and if given a starting berth – he could make a real impact for Bilic.
He had a great chance towards the end, and will no doubt be determined to go one better on Wednesday.
It could be his moment.
