Capital One Cup Gives Fringe Players A Chance

West Ham United begin their road to Wembley with a tricky tie against Crewe in the Capital One Cup this evening at Upton Park.

Sam Allardyce has stated that the Hammers will start fringe players the day after there was outrage from Football League clubs after the Football League said league clubs had to start with their best team in an attempt to boost attendances. Although the bench warmers at West Ham still are quality players like Vaz Te, Maynard and Maiga as well as the long awaited home debut of Alou Diarra.

After last season’s disappointments in the cups, Big Sam will want to improve, going out to Aldershot and Sheffield Wednesday in the Carling Cup and FA cup respectively. After the West Ham faithful tasted Wembley success last season, they would dearly love that experience again.

West Ham’s return to the Premier League this season has meant there are doubts whether a cup run is needed. Could it act as a welcome distraction or just an unnecessary one as our Premier League survival is the obvious objective this season. One this is for sure though this season is that we will want to avoid any embarrassments like last season.

And I’m sure Big Sam will feel the same way as he is set the player a mixture of experience and youth, which could see Jarvis start again as he attempts to gel with his new teammates. Whilst players like Maiga and Diarra will use this game to give Big Sam a selection headache as well as gain vital fitness.

So for me a cup run would make a nice change, the excitement around Upton Park when there is a big cup game there is nothing better. Birmingham City in the Carling cup semi-final first leg a few seasons ago was second to none atmosphere wise. And we pride ourselves on our cup history, 1964, 1975 and 1980 are memories that Hammers of a certain generations will never forget. As well as those heartbreak moments in 1923 and 2006 where we came so close yet so far in Cardiff.

So a run in the cup this season would certainly get the buzz around Upton Park going, as well as the monetary benefits that come with it would help up financially.

So Come on you Irons let’s rack up the wins starting tonight.

Tweet me @Bowdenwhu with your starting line-ups for tonight.