West Ham United are in a great position at the moment. Injury permitting, the Hammers could be set for an incredible season that would go down in memory with the fans, but getting their priorities straight must be done before they can start dreaming.
When we talk about priorities, we are of course referring to the fact that the Hammers are competing in three different tournaments this season, the Carabao Cup, FA Cup and Premier League. So far, the league has got off to a flier, and the Carabao Cup must be looked at as expendable.
Whilst a defeat away at Oxford United’s Kassam Stadium would be seen as a colossal disappointment, it wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world. If a loss tonight meant a win on Saturday, then it’s a scenario that Manuel Pellegrini would likely take, or at least he should.
The Chilean gaffer looks to be instilling the sort of mentality at The London Stadium that the fans have been crying out for, and winning the tough games in the league home and away against the likes of Bournemouth, Watford, Crystal Palace and those around them will be key.
Last season saw the club finish 10th in the Premier League, yet they managed big wins over the likes of Tottenham, Arsenal and Manchester United, so consistency wherein lies the problem. That’s why the club have to know what they want. Tonight could be another step towards a cup final, or it could be a step away from European football.
With a top-six finish in the league, Pellegrini could be managing in the Europa League next season, but the added rotation he’d need to deploy in the cups could hinder the league form, and it will make for a real conundrum for the former Man City man over what to do.
It looks a lot like he will be set to rotate tonight, and that’s almost certainly the right decision, especially if it means the Irons record a win on the weekend it what is undoubtedly the bigger game at Dean Court.
