Pellegrini to make 7 changes – Strongest 4-2-3-1 West Ham XI to face Macclesfield Town

Predicted West Ham line-up to face Macclesfield Town in the EFL Cup

West Ham will host League Two side Macclesfield Town in the third round of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday.

The Hammers booked their place in the third round of the competition with a 3-1 victory at AFC Wimbledon. Macclesfield, meanwhile, have seen off Bradford City and Walsall to reach the last 32 stage of this competition.

West Ham held Chelsea to a frustrating 0-0 draw at the London Stadium in the Premier League this past weekend and manager Manuel Pellegrini will now be buoyant to face Macclesfield Town after that fantastic result.

Team News

Marko Arnautovic is not expected to play due to a knock, while Javier Hernandez is out with an illness.

Jack Wilshere is set to be sidelined due to an ankle injury, whereas the likes of Manuel Lanzini, Andy Carroll and Winston Reid are long-term casualties.

Probable West Ham XI

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Manager: Manuel Pellegrini

Adrian (GK)

Adrian should replace Fabianski in goal for this game against Macclesfield Town on Wednesday.

Ryan Fredericks (RB)

Fredericks has lost his place to Zabaleta but he could start this game.

Declan Rice (CB)

Although Declan Rice has excelled in the holding role for West Ham of late, he could find himself in central defence on Wednesday.

Angelo Ogbonna (CB)

Partnering Rice at the heart of the West Ham defence could be Ogbonna. He is a no-nonsense defender who will also be a threat to the opposition during set-pieces.

Aaron Cresswell (LB)

Cresswell is a highly energetic left-back who loves to get forward and contribute to his team’s attack. A fantastic crosser of the ball, Macclesfield have to be wary of his threat from dead-balls.

Carlos Sanchez (CM)

To protect the back-four and create a base for West Ham’s creative players to express themselves freely, Sanchez’s presence in midfield would be important.

Pedro Obiang (CM)

Obiang has been in really good form for the Hammers lately. He is a fantastic passer of the ball and possesses the vision to pick out his teammate. He is a definite starter on Wednesday.

Andriy Yarmolenko (RW)

Yarmolenko is finally starting to show his true colours. He could wreak havoc against Macclesfield with his pace and dribbling skills.

Michael Antonio (LW)

Antonio can play in a variety of positions but could start on the left wing on Wednesday. He is a tireless worker on and off the ball and Macclesfield will have to keep him at bay.

Robert Snodgrass (CAM)

Snodgrass could be deployed as the No.10. He is in good form and will look to impress the manager.

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Lucas Perez (ST)

First-team opportunities have been tough to come by for Lucas Perez; however, he could lead the Hammers’ attack on Wednesday.