In midweek, the first of the two domestic cup competitions Premier League clubs enter, the Carabao Cup (League Cup) commenced when the first-round ties were played.
The competition, if we’re brutally honest, is one of two we stand a chance if luck goes our way, of winning. Although the club has invested heavily in new players this summer, we’re realistic to acknowledge that although we have high hopes of finishing in a European qualifying position, a title challenge is still some way off.
With the first round having been completed, the second-round draw was held and West Ham, who enter the competition at this stage, were given an away fixture against the League One club, AFC Wimbledon.
Now, on paper, it looks to be a tie that the Hammers have every chance of winning. But in this much-maligned competition, it has become almost common practice for Premier League clubs to field understrength sides, giving squad fringe players the opportunity to get a start as well as a sprinkling of youngsters.
Sometimes it is a ploy that works, other times you find yourselves on the end of a cup shock!
This season, I’m sure I’m not alone in hoping that Manuel Pellegrini takes the opportunity to field his strongest eleven and mount a serious campaign to land a piece of silverware thereby providing the club with not only a wonderful day out at Wembley but also a cup to stick in the trophy cabinet.
Now wouldn’t that be a great pick-me-up for the club whilst also signalling how ambitious we really are?
Is it a view you concur with, or do you strongly disagree with it?
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