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Macclesfield matchup a chance for two of West Ham’s summer signings

By Scott Johnson

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 25: Nacho Monreal of Arsenal battles for posession with Ryan Fredericks of West Ham United during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and West Ham United at Emirates Stadium on August 25, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 25: Nacho Monreal of Arsenal battles for posession with Ryan Fredericks of West Ham United during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and West Ham United at Emirates Stadium on August 25, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) /
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West Ham’s summer signings Fredericks and Lucas Perez have been sidelined for much of the EPL so far. They must take this opportunity in the Carabao Cup if they want to progress.

West Ham got a stroke of luck by drawing the lowest ranked team in the competition, and they must capitalise on it. The Hammers have a history of failing when expecting to succeed, but should win even with a weaker side. For Fredericks and Perez they must show they can dominate a lower league side if they want to push for Premier League places.

Whilst a good performance against Macclesfield won’t automatically catapult them both into the first team, a bad one will rule them out for a while. Fredericks will have to show he’s more than just pace, whilst Perez really needs a goal. He has been largely invisible in recent games and must be dying to show what he has.

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Obviously I don’t know the starting XI and it remains to be seen who will get a game. I expect a mix of strong side vs rotation, and Fredericks and Perez should be in. There seems no point in overplaying Zaba, and Arnie has only just returned to training following an injury. So if follows the next two are Perez and Fredericks.

Although Perez didn’t start against Chelsea I think that was a style choice from Pellegrini, not a mark of where Perez sits in his estimation. Pellegrini knew we would have to hit Chelsea with pace on the break, and Antonio was the man to do that, not Perez. Perez is more skillfull than athletic, and this could be a game where his creativity and technicaly ability come forward.

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Fredericks has struggled defensively in the Premier League, and I think it’s a chance for him to play his way in. Against Macclesfield he should be on top of their attacking threats, and should have a chance to attack. If he can keep it solid down his side and assist the attack when the opportunity arises, then next time Zaba is out of form/injured/suspended, Fredericks will have that little bit more confidence when stepping in. And a Fredericks with confidence is an exciting idea.