Kids and Fringe players to get a chance

West Ham play hosts to an in-form Manchester United who are one of only two unbeaten sides in European football.

Avram Grant has tried to rally the troops by saying his side can be the ones to break United’s run, but the Hammers’ boss will be without Manuel da Costa (ankle), Jack Collison (knee), Thomas Hitzlsperger (thigh), Anthony Edgar and Peter Kurucz (both knee).

Scott Parker hasn’t recovered from a virus and will sit out, while Valon Behrami recovered from a thigh injury in time to play a part.

Kids and Fringe players

Sir Alex Ferguson has said and shown on numerous occasions that he will use this competition to blood young, as well as fringe players and I fully expect that to continue.

The biggest question mark for me will be the goal-keeping position. Tomasz Kuszczak has been completely out of the first-team picture in recent weeks and the acquision of Anders Lindegaard poses even more uncertainty over the Polish keeper’s future. Ben Amos could well start tonight, but I would be surprised if Sir Alex would do so given the physical nature of Carlton Cole.

I have a feeling Kuszczak might just get the nod ahead of Amos which will also put Kuszczak in the shop window.

I expect wholesale changes to the team which defeated Blackburn Rovers so convincingly on the weekend and predict that we’ll see playing time for Brown, Evans, Smalling and Fabio in defence who was excellent in his last outing against Rangers.

Bebe last played when he was given a surprise league debut against Wolves after Owen Hargreaves was forced off with injury after 6 minutes and the Portuguese winger endured a torrid time. He has since played brilliantly for the Reserves and I expect him to be given a start today on the opposite flank of Gabriel Obertan.

This game will probably come too soon for Anderson, who was excellent against Blackburn, as well as Paul Scholes who is still recovering from a groin injury and I expect Carrick to be rested, whcih should pave the way for Darron Gibson to receive a rare start.

I would partner the Irishman with the dependable and expereinced Darren Fletcher.

Upfront, it’s high time Kiko Macheda was played with a strike partner, instead of spear-heading the attack alone, so Chicharito will complete a 4-4-2 formation.

Subs:

I’m really hoping to see some of the reserves players on the bench tonishg and with some luck, we just might see Magnus Eikrem make his first0team debut.

Subs: Amos, O’Shea, Vidic, Eikrem, Morrison, Giggs (or Brady), Rooney

Quick Facts:

West Ham have won 8 and lost just 1 game for the Carling Cup here on Upton Park.

Both teams have met only once for Carling Cup back in 1985-86 on Old Trafford, where the Red Devils won with 1:0.

In direct battle in Premier League, United has had their share of victories on this stadium in the past 10 years winning 4 games, tying 2 in 8 games.

However in 2006 and 2007, West Ham has been able to win their home games here with 2:1 and 1:0. The has advanced to this stage of the tournament after eliminating Oxford United, Sunderland and Stoke City.

Last Six Meetings

28 August 2010 – Manchester United 3-0 West Ham United
23 February 2010 – Manchester United 3-0 West Ham United
5 December 2010 – West Ham United 0-4 Manchester United
8 February 2009 – West Ham United 0-1 Manchester United
29 October 2008 – Manchester United 2-0 West Ham United
3 May 2008 – Manchester United 4-1 West Ham United

Record Last 10 Seasons (in the Carling Cup)

Ten-year League Cup records

West Ham United

2009/10 Third round (lost 3-1 after extra time at Bolton Wanderers)
2008/09 Third round (lost 1-0 at Watford)
2007/08 Quarter-final (lost 2-1 v Everton)
2006/07 Third round (lost 2-1 at Chesterfield)
2005/06 Third round (lost 1-0 at Bolton Wanderers)
2004/05 Third round (lost 1-0 at Chelsea)
2003/04 Third round (lost 1-0 after extra time at Tottenham Hotspur)
2002/03 Third round (lost 1-0 v Oldham Athletic)
2001/02 Second round (lost 6-5 on penalties following 0-0 draw at Reading)
2000/01 Fourth round (lost 2-1 v Sheffield Wednesday)

Manchester United

2009/10 Winner
2008/09 Winner
2006/07 Third round (lost 2-0 v Coventry City)
2005/06 Winner
2004/05 Semi-final (lost 2-1 v Chelsea)
2003/04 Fourth round (lost 2-0 v West Bromwich Albion)
2002/03 Final (lost 2-0 v Liverpool)
2001/02 Third round (lost 4-0 v Arsenal)
2000/01 Fourth round (lost 2-1 v Sunderland)