OPINION
West Ham United manager Manuel Pellegrini would be wise to hand January recruit Samir Nasri his first start for the club against Birmingham City on Saturday.
The FA Cup tie provides Pellegrini with an ideal opportunity to see what the Frenchman can do, with the player officially joining the Hammers earlier this week.
As usual in the early rounds of a cup competition there will likely be much rotation from the West Ham boss, with seven changes being more than enough for Pellegrini’s team to sweep the Blues aside.
Lukasz Fabianski, Pablo Zabaleta, Robert Snodgrass, Pedro Obiang, Felipe Anderson, Andy Carroll and Marko Arnautovic should all be given rests against Garry Monk’s side.
Adrian should be handed a rare start in between the sticks, while the ageing Zabaleta could also do with the afternoon off. However, with Ryan Fredericks still out injured Michail Antonio is the only real candidate to replace him.
The same dearth of options is evident at centre back where, due to injuries, Angelo Ogbonna and Issa Diop will likely have to continue on Saturday. Aaron Cresswell should be given the opportunity to continue his fine recent form at left back.
In midfield, a pair of exciting youngsters deserve to be let loose at the London Stadium. Grady Diangana and Nathan Holland should both be in line to start against Birmingham. Declan Rice must continue in central midfield, while Mark Noble should come in for Obiang after his positive impact off the bench against Brighton.
A 4-4-1-1 formation of sorts should be utilised by Pellegrini, with Nasri playing just off the frontman. This free role would likely bring out the best in the former Manchester City man. Summer signing Xande Silva should be given the opportunity to lead the line on Saturday.