West Ham vs. Macclesfield Town: EFL Cup preview

West Ham return to cup action this evening as they prepare to take on Macclesfield Town in the EFL Cup.

The Silkmen travel to London, trading their usual League Two opposition for an away trip to The London Stadium.

Here is our preview of tonight’s clash between the Hammers and Macclesfield.

Team news

KINGSTON UPON THAMES, ENGLAND – AUGUST 28: Javier Hernandez of West Ham United during the Carabao Cup Second Round match between AFC Wimbledon and West Ham United at The Cherry Red Records Stadium on August 28, 2018 in Kingston upon Thames, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

West Ham have no fresh injury concerns after last weekend’s draw with Chelsea.

The Irons are without long-term absentees Manuel Lanzini, Winston Reid, Andy Carroll and Jack Wilshere.

Marko Arnautovic will also sit out of this one to recover for Manchester United. But Javier Hernandez could return after illness.

For the visitors, Michael Rose is out through suspension. Their injury list includes Jordan Ponticelli, Elliott Durrell, Ben Stephens and Ryan Lloyd.

Form

West Ham go into this game buoyed by recent success. Despite losing their first four league games, the Hammers have roared back and picked up four points from tricky games.

Having beaten Everton at Goodison Park and then following that up with a draw against Chelsea, Manuel Pellegrini’s men are high on confidence.

Macclesfield are struggling, however. Their record of seven losses and two draws in their nine games leaves them at the bottom of the Football League.

Head-to-head record

6 Jan 2002: Tempers flair between Danny Adams of Macclesfieldand Christian Dailly after a bad tackle during the Macclesfield Town v West Ham Utd AXA FA Cup third round match at Moss Road, Macclesfield. DIGITAL IMAGE Mandatory Credit: Alex Livesey/GettyImages

West Ham and Macclesfield have only met twice in history and both since the turn of the century.

In the first meeting, the Hammers ran out 3-0 winners in 2002, followed up by a 4-1 win in 2008.

The score line was flattering in the latter game, though, which was played at Upton Park.

Macclesfield had led until the 74th minute, when Lee Bowyer equalised with a header. Eventually, the Silkmen crumbled after having a man sent off and West Ham did some damage in extra-time.

Expected line-up

LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 23: Lucas Perez of West Ham United in action during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Chelsea FC at London Stadium on September 23, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by James Griffiths/West Ham United via Getty Images)

West Ham are expected to ring the changes. Players will be rested ahead of the Manchester United game on Saturday.

Adrian is likely to return in goal, while the defence will probably include Aaron Cresswell, Ryan Fredericks and Angelo Ogbonna.

Carlos Sanchez will be hoping for a recall in midfield, while Lucas Perez, Michail Antonio, Robert Snodgrass and Chicharito will fight it out for the forward three slots.

Watch out for three youngsters as well. Joe Powell, Grady Diangana and Conor Coventry were omitted from the under-21 team yesterday and could make their debuts.

Prediction

Regardless of the team Pellegrini puts out, it should be a fairly comfortable evening for the Hammers.

Macclesfield are in terrible form and West Ham have a few fringe players hoping to stake a first-team claim.

I’ll predict a clean sheet and a comfortable 3-0 win for the East Londoners.