Predicted West Ham XI to face Tottenham in the Carabao Cup
West Ham were held to a 1-1 draw by Leicester City away from home in the Premier League on Saturday. The Hammers have made a lukewarm start to the season and sit 13th in the Premier League standings with 8 points.
Manuel Pellegrini’s side absolutely thrashed Macclesfield Town 8-0 in the third round of the Carabo Cup as most of the attackers got their names on the scoresheet.
However, they will be up against it when they face an in-form Spurs side who have won seven out of their first nine games in the Premier League.
West Ham will be without some of their key players due to injuries and suspensions.
Team News
West Ham have as many as ten players on the treatment table. Andriy Yarmolenko, Jack Wilshere, Carlos Sanchez, Lucas Perez and Andy Carroll are all out due to long-term injuries while Pedro Obiang might be available for selection on Wednesday. Marko Arnautovic might recover in time to face Spurs but Pellegrini is unlikely to risk him given that will be facing Burnley on Saturday.
Mark Noble picked up a direct red card against Leicester City and will serve a suspension for three games.
Formation: 4-3-3
Manager: Manuel Pellegrini
Predicted XI
Lukasz Fabianski (GK)
The veteran Polish shot-stopper has been in tremendous form and has made a number of brilliant saves this season.
Ryan Fredericks (RB)
He might get a rare start given that Pellegrini would want Pablo Zabaleta to be fresh for the Premier League clash against Burnley.
Issa Diop (CB)
He has established himself as a reliable presence at the back and should be one of the first names on the teamsheet.
Fabian Balbuena (CB)
Pellegrini might be tempted to rotate his squad and give Angelo Ogbonna a start but the Paraguayan will be a better choice given that he has established a solid partnership with Diop in the heart of the defense.
Aaron Cresswell (LB)
Artur Masuaku hasn’t been in good form this season and Pellegrini should hand Cresswell a start on Wednesday.
Declan Rice (CDM)
He has been a great find for West Ham this season. The youngster has excelled in his role as a shield for the rearguard and should start the Carabao Cup tie.
Pedro Obiang (LCM)
He is likely to be fit enough to start on Wednesday and Pellegrini doesn’t have too many options to replace the suspended Mark Noble.
Robert Snodgrass (RCM)
He started the game on Saturday and his presence will be an important factor for the Hammers on Wednesday.
Felipe Anderson (LW)
The Brazilian will be expected to step up his game to add that guile and venom to West Ham’s attack.
Grady Diangana (RW)
He showed some good touches down the flanks and Pellegrini should persist with him in the starting eleven in the Carabao Cup fixture.
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Javier Hernandez (ST)
He wasn’t at his best against Leicester City but showed some elegant touches and should start ahead of Marko Arnautovic who will be making a return from his injury.
