West Ham take on Chelsea in the last-16 stage next week.
Former Premier League midfielder Danny Murphy has told the London Evening Standard that West Ham United should be targeting EFL Cup success this season.
The Hammers have endured a difficult start to the Premier League, sitting 15th in the table with just two wins to their name so far.
They have enjoyed slightly more success in the EFL Cup, where they have made it into the last-16 stage following a last-gasp win over Accrington Stanley in the third round.
Securing a win is likely to be a tough ask for them, though, given they have been drawn to play rivals Chelsea at the London Stadium.
It is easy to imagine they would be focused on the league given their form but Murphy has told the London Evening Standard that should not be the case.
“If West Ham have any sense, they will play their strongest team against Chelsea in the EFL Cup next week — and not concentrate only on the Premier League,” he said.
“I realise they’ve had a poor start to the season but what a chance that Chelsea game is. Winning a London derby in the cup is exactly the kind of thing that will make their new stadium feel like home.
“Domestic cup football is fun, and it isn’t tiring – that’s a myth. What a chance this is for Slaven Bilic’s West Ham. They have to take it.”
It remains to be seen if West Ham do look to play a weakened team for their cup clash next week.
They have already been decimated by injuries this season and manager Bilic may think it is not worth risking his players in this competition.
With his team still only a point outside of the relegation zone also, now may not be the time for him to turn his attention away from the league, despite what Murphy may believe.
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