Former Premier League striker Noel Whelan has tipped West Ham manager David Moyes to attack the FA Cup this season.
The Hammers are set to face Southampton in the fifth round at St Mary’s this week in pursuit of the first trophy in 42 years.
However, with top-four hopes still alive, Moyes could be tempted to make changes in order to rest key players.
Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan suggested that the Scot won’t heavily rotate the side.
He might change a couple. I’m very sure he’ll put out a very strong side capable of advancing in this competition. When was the last time West Ham brought back some silverware? This could be a massive opportunity for them, and Moyes won’t want to waste any game. He’s always shown great integrity in the game and put out the strongest side he could. I don’t think this game will be any different. He won’t want any slip-ups, and let’s not forget – winning breeds winning.
Moyes looks to have nigh on a fully fit squad available with the exception of Angelo Ogbonna, Vladimir Coufal and Andriy Yarmolenko who is away on compassionate leave.
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Although it will be tempting to save the likes of Michail Antonio, Declan Rice and Jarrod Bowen for challenges further down the line, Moyes doesn’t have that luxury in the squad.
Instead, the same group of important players will be asked to go to the well time and time again between now and the end of the season as the Irons hunt for top four, FA Cup glory and perhaps a run deep into the Europa League.
Perhaps the most obvious and only major alteration could see Alphonse Areola replace Lukasz Fabianski.
