How should the Hammers approach the second-leg?

It hardly seems worth mentioning, but West Ham are about to play the second-leg of the Capital One cup semi-final against Manchester City.

With the Hammers facing a six goal deficit before the game even starts after the first-leg mauling in Manchester, the fixture at Upton Park is effectively a non-event.

As disappointing as this is, Sam Allardyce needs to make the most of what may as well be treated as an exhibition match, and use the tie to help ease back players who are just returning from injury into greater match fitness, and in addition attempt to forge some sort of unity and understanding between certain team members, who have had little playing time together, for the benefit of future games.

Big Sam’s pre-match comments seemed to confirm this would be the case, and it is the right decision.

There is no point exposing too many youngsters against one of the most expensively assembled squads ever seen, as was done in the FA Cup tie against Nottingham Forest earlier in the month. Letting them play in another match where they would no doubt be chasing shadows and suffer a heavy defeat would do nothing for their development, and in addition our first team are in no particular need of a rest, with no match at the weekend.

Instead, Andy Carroll should be given a good run out. It is not clear how fit the big striker is currently, but 45 minutes against tough opposition should aid his match sharpness and fitness.

In addition, it would be good to see if Carroll can rekindle his partnership with the returning Kevin Nolan. Nolan has been really poor this season, but the pair have a brilliant goal scoring record between them over the years, and this game is a chance for them to link up for the first time since May, and try and get used to playing together again in a no pressure environment.

To be honest the return of Carroll to the fold could be Nolan’s last chance to prove he still has a big part to play in the West Ham team, as he really looks like his best days are behind him now.

It would also be a good idea to start with Matt Jarvis and Stewart Downing on either wing, so they can help develop their relationship with Carroll (and Nolan playing off him), in supplying chances for the record signing.

It is in central midfield where it would be good to see some experimentation in this tie. Considering all the hype this season, it has to be said that Ravel Morrison has contributed very little to the side in recent months. Could this be because when he has played, it has been in a deeper role than he should be? For someone who is potentially so creative, it would surely be worth giving Morrison a license to roam in an attacking midfield area, and letting him express himself for once. This way West Ham may see the true talent of the youngster really shine through, rather than the more restrictive position he usually seems to be employed in.

Big Sam could then play either Mark Noble or Alou Diarra if Noble needs a rest in the defensive midfield role as protection. If all goes well then perhaps in future weeks Morrison could continue to be given a free role in the advanced areas, and two more defensively minded midfielders be used as cover?

As for defence, it is probably more a case of who is going to be fit. With James Tomkins back from suspension, his partnership with James Collins should be reactivated, as they are likely to be the centre back pairing for the next few weeks of league fixtures in the continued absence of Winston Reid.

Of course, subs will be useful in the match, to prevent tiredness or to experiment further. For example Joe Cole could also be used in a central midfield position, to see how he fares. This would be my starting 11 for the game. Let me know your thoughts:

Adrian

O’Brien (if fit) Collins Tomkins Rat

Diarra

Downing Morrison Jarvis

Nolan

Carroll