Newport v West Ham Carabao Cup Preview

West Ham go on their travels for the third game in row, this time venturing into Wales for the Carabao Cup 2nd Round game against Newport County.

The game is being shown live on Sky Sports at 7:45pm. No doubt the broadcasters chose this fixture in the hope of it being a giant killing.

With this in mind I’m hoping West Ham put out a semi strong team.

MY LINE-UP

Goalkeeper:

My preference would be Fabianski but as every team in the land seems to put out their second choice goalkeeper in the Cup competitions it’s more than likely going to be Roberto. Hopefully now Roberto has had a bit of time to gel with his new teammates he will perform much better than he appeared to do in pre-season

Defence:

We are probably looking at a straight back four as Pellegrinis preferred formation. I would then go for a Zabaleta, Balbuena, Diop & Johnson.

Zabaleta should get a run out to keep him match fit and give him some game time.

I would opt back again to the clubs best centre back pairing of Balbuena & Diop. Hopefully the two can impress and then keep their positions for the next league game and from then on.

Johnson takes my final position in the back four. The Carabao Cup generally is also used to give the youth a run out. This could be Johnson’s chance to stake a claim to the left back position following unconvincing displays by Cresswell & Masuaku.

Midfield:

Pellegrini will likely follow the same formation in midfield. Should that be the case I have a feeling he will give Rice a rest and bring in Sanchez to partner Noble.

Attacking midfield will in my opinion consist of Fornals, Snodgrass & Antonio.

It will do Fornals the world of good to get a full match tonight to allow him to further acclimatise himself with English football.

Forward:

Up front Pellegrini has hinted for a start for Ajeti. I can’t wait to see what he offers us and to see if he can push Hernandez for the second spot behind Haller.

We all want a decent cup run and hopefully the West Ham management do too.

Time will tell and we will know better when the team is announced prior to kick off just how seriously we plan to take the Carabao Cup.

Hopefully we don’t prove Sky Sports right in their selection of match

COYI!