Hammers fans react to reported starting line-up against Oxford

Plenty of West Ham United fans will be desperate to see the club take the Carabao Cup seriously this year, and judging by a reported starting line-up that’s emerged today… they are.

Commonly reputable when it comes to leaking line-ups, Claret & Hugh have suggested Manuel Pellegrini will make just five changes from Sunday’s 2-0 win over Manchester United.

Reported West Ham XI: Roberto; Zabaleta, Diop, Balbuena, Cresswell; Sanchez, Wilshere; Yarmolenko, Fornals, Anderson; Haller.

The reported team has left many supporters surprised after wholesale changes were made in the second round against Newport County…

Twitter: @whufc_news @ClaretandH our starting front 4 against a league one team? (@ChuckieWHU)

Twitter: @whufc_news @ClaretandH I would sit Haller and get Ajeti on the pitch and probably get Holland in for Anderson.. (@chelwig54)

Twitter: @whufc_news @ClaretandH Ajeti should be given a run. However pleased it’s taken seriously. (@ErikBexell)

Twitter: @whufc_news @ClaretandH Why would he risk Haller or Anderson when there are adequate replacements (@frankum_ian)

Twitter: @whufc_news @ClaretandH That won’t b the team, Snodgrass and Ajeti I think will definitely be starting imo, perfect… https://t.co/4XrCZTR0cR (@garyjones68)

Read West Ham’s verdict

Although Claret & Hugh are regularly spot on when it comes to team selections, it’d be very surprising to see Manuel Pellegrini’s current first-choice front four start against League One opposition.

It should come as a refreshing change for fans that West Ham are taking the cup competitions very seriously though, as well as showing fine form in the Premier League.

Only time will tell whether this will be the starting line-up, but you would’ve thought the likes of Albian Ajeti and Nathan Holland will get a chance to impress.