OPINION
After getting up and running in the Premier League on Saturday, West Ham United will quickly switch their attention to the Carabao Cup.
The Hammers will be hoping they can replicate Saturday’s 3-1 victory over Watford when they travel to Newport County in the second round of the competition.
Manuel Pellegrini will be aware not to repeat last year’s miserable cup run as they were knocked out of the FA Cup by League One side Wimbledon, losing 4-2.
A trip to Newport is definitely not what the Hammers will have been wanting at the beginning of the season, especially after the League Two’s side heroics last season.
Rodney Parade played host to County when they bullied Premier League sides such as Leicester City and Tottenham, with the Welsh side knocking out the Foxes.
With this in mind, it appears Pellegrini has decided to take this game seriously, with reliable club source, ExWHUemployee, revealing on his personal Twitter account that the Chilean has made a number of changes but will still field a senior side.
Pellegrini seems keen to avoid last season’s humiliation on Tuesday evening, and if that means naming some senior players – the boss doesn’t seem to mind.
A number of changes have been suggested, with the Evening Standard reporting that Albian Ajeti is set to make his full debut for the club when leading the line, while Sebastien Haller and Declan Rice are set to have a rest.
Claret and Hugh have also reported expected midfield and defensive changes for the clash with the play-off hopefuls, who remain unbeaten this season – with Jack Wilshere, Carlos Sanchez, and Fabian Balbuena all suggested to be in line for starts.
All of the suggested changes to the Hammers’ side are players full of Premier League experience throughout their careers, with Pellegrini clearly keen to avoid an upset.
