David Moyes knows only too well that a gigantic banana skin awaits his West Ham team as they take on 'non league' heroes Kidderminster Harriers, in this lunchtime's televised FA Cup 4th round fixture that is being shown by the BBC in the hope of another cup upset, Kiddy having seen off Championship side Reading in order to earn their place in the tie.
With the exception of Hammers fans, the World and it's Aunt will be routing for the underdogs at their Aggborough Stadium, which will be packed to the rafters with additional seating and fans who will be only too willing to 'give it' to their 'Elite Team' visitors.
This game is the Harriers cup final of all cup finals and their players will be 'cranked up with adrenalin' for at least the first 20 minutes, so Hammers will have to have their wits about them to withstand the initial onslaught. Which Hammers will be facing the home side is a matter of debate, bearing in mind David Moyes has to have his players raring to go for Tuesday evening's Premier League game against Watford who will be experiencing their 'new manager bump' as Roy Hodgson takes command for the first time of the Hornets.
It will be interesting to see who is selected to play up front, does Moyes play Bowen? He can't play Antonio so he has to utilise other players, maybe now is the time to use a couple of the aspiring youth set up players. KIddy will be up for it, so there will be a need for a physical presence as well as some 'old head nous', in other words the game is tailor made for Mark Noble!
Hopefully Moyes will name a very strong bench, but use fringe players where ever possible. Alex Kral AND Nikola Vlasic are crying out for game time and the Kidderminster game is a perfect opportunity for them to show what they can bring to the table. By playing Noble and Kral in midfield Moyes will be able to keep Tomas Soucek and Decaln Rice fresh for the Watford game, he will probably use Ben Johnson on the left, if he doesn't start Aaron Cresswell, with Harrison Ashby starting on the right.
In a way Moyes IS spoiled for choice with his selection, but who ever takes to the field would be best served by recognising the massive importance of this fixture and the effect it will have on the home team's players, anything less than 100% and Hammers will be joining Arsenal and Manchester United in the 'shock losers' column! -LN
