West Ham ‘Second Team’ Picked in Carabao Cup Predicted XI

A solid mix of fringe players and starters who need to show more should highlight West Ham’s second-round Carabao Cup team as London Calls for League One Hull City.

While the previous Carabao Cup match saw many players look to force themselves into the first team, team selection against Arsenal failed to show a light at the end of the tunnel for West Ham’s, now dubbed, ‘second team.’

One apparent addition to this fringe squad will likely be the inclusion of Jarrod Bowen from his cemented position in the regular starting XI. Bowen, who joined from Hull in January of this year, had cut his teeth and excelled with The Tigers, earning himself a move to the Premier League on the back of that success.

This addition challenges the idea of a regular 4-2-3-1 formation potentially, as Bowen could be at right-wing or could be played as a second striker with likely starter Sebastien Haller. The duo could work wonders up top so either play is desirable.

Here is the predicted XI:

Randolph
Johnson – Balbuena – Diop – Cresswell
Cullen – Noble
Bowen – Snodgrass – Anderson
Haller

Bench: Martin, Alese, Ashby, Lanzini, Coventry, Yarmolenko, Silva

Surely, this team can topple Hull City, no? Well, Hull have gotten off to a strong start this season, winning their first two matches without allowing a goal against. A resolute defensive core should give Haller and the attacking complement a tough challenge to prove his work rate to manager David Moyes.

The back four in this set up is shakey, though. Hull have managed three goals over two games so the goal threat is there, the question is: can Johnson, Balbuena, Diop, and Cresswell be defensively stout enough to shut down the Hull attack?

On paper, the answer is yes, but Diop’s inconsistent play, Balbuena’s inability to push him, Cresswell’s issues with pace, and Johnson’s discipline problem suggest the Hammers could be in some trouble if pushed. Mark Noble and Josh Cullen will have to be immense in their holding midfield roles to protect and help out this second-tier defensive unit.

Up top, Snodgrass’ delivery should spring Haller for the aerial threat, while inverted wingers Anderson and Bowen will provide support from the wide areas. There should be no issue with breaking down this Hull team with these options. Look for Bowen to come off at halftime and Yarmolenko to get a full 45 minutes, if the game is in hand, too.

This team is strong enough and top-heavy enough to take Hull to task in this second round fixture. The Hammers are the better team and after a strong showing against Arsenal, should have some extra confidence to get going.