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Yarmolenko in from the start: West Ham best possible XI v Wimbledon

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Image for Yarmolenko in from the start: West Ham best possible XI v Wimbledon

OPINION

West Ham United go in search of their first win of the season when they face League One side AFC Wimbledon in the second round of the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night.

The Hammers suffered a 3-1 reverse at Arsenal on Saturday, and were hampered further by an injury to star man Marko Arnautovic.

While the Austrian likely won’t feature as a result, boss Manuel Pellegrini must select a strong starting eleven to ensure victory and bring a bit of momentum back to the team.

Six of the players present against the Gunners should feature again on Tuesday night, despite the close proximity of the two games. Fabian Balbuena, Issa Diop, Arthur Masuaku, Robert Snodgrass, Jack Wilshere and Felipe Anderson should all start the game, with the changes around them more to do with wanting to win the game than resting players.

Adrian will invariably come in for first choice goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski, but that’s not bad thing. The Spaniard is capable and deserves a run of games in the cups this year having lost his place in the team to the Poland international. Likewise Pablo Zabaleta, who should be given the chance to deputise for summer signing Ryan Fredericks.

West Ham’s midfield has lacked bite so far this season, and that wasn’t solved by the introduction of Carlos Sanchez against Arsenal. Instead, Pedro Obiang should be given the chance to patrol the midfield alongside Wilshere. The former Sampdoria man has a good mix of physicality and technical ability, and he should be able to help Wilshere, who has struggled somewhat since joining the Hammers.

Snodgrass keeps his place on the right, as he should be able to profit against a lower level side. His set piece delivery will also be invaluable for Pellegrini’s side in this game. £17million summer recruit Andriy Yarmolenko must start on the left. The former Borussia Dortmund man has yet to start a game since joining the club, and Wimbledon are the sort of his opponent he could terrorise.

Up top, Felipe Anderson must continue where he left off last time out, while Lucas Perez should be awarded his first start against League One opposition. The Spaniard needs to get off to a flyer with his new club, and what better opportunity for him to do so than this game?

This team is more than good enough to overcome Wimbledon, and would surely give West Ham fans their first victory of the season.

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