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West Ham predicted XI v Oxford

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OPINION

West Ham United manager Manuel Pellegrini is expected to ring the changes for Wednesday’s trip to Oxford United in the Carabao Cup.

The Chilean will be hungry for success in the competition, but will also feel that he can get away with alterations to his team against the League One side.

With that said, it would be no surprise at all to see the Hammers boss make as many as seven changes for Wednesday’s game, highlighted by England international Jack Wilshere potentially returning to the starting eleven.

The former Arsenal man got on the scoresheet in the last round against Newport County, and would naturally hope to do the same against Karl Robinson’s men.

In between the sticks, number one Lukasz Fabianski very much deserves a rest. With that said, summer signing Roberto is likely to come in and get the start here.

At right back, Ryan Fredericks suffered a slight knock against Manchester United on Sunday. Veteran Pablo Zabaleta will surely replace him on Wednesday. On the opposite side of the defence, meanwhile, Aaron Cresswell can expect to continue after netting against the Red Devils.

Italian international Angelo Ogbonna will likely continue in the centre of the defence to maintain Pellegrini’s precious right-left foot axis. Next to him, though, Fabian Balbuena will most probably come in for Issa Diop.

In the two central midfield positions, Pellegrini is expected to lean on experience. Both Carlos Sanchez and Robert Snodgrass can expect to replace Declan Rice and Mark Noble.

Further forward in midfield, Sunday scorer Andriy Yarmolenko will surely be given the chance to keep his fine run of form going. Meanwhile, summer signing Pablo Fornals will likely be given another chance to impress. Then there’s Wilshere who, as mentioned, will expect to get the nod at the no. 10 position.

Up front is an obvious one, with club record signing Sebastien Haller sure to be rested. As a result, Albian Ajeti will likely get his second start in a West Ham shirt.

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