West Ham United have had a turbulent start to the campaign, which is why their League Cup run could be absolutely vital this season.
Under Slaven Bilic, West Ham United’s start to life at the Olympic Stadium has been fairly disastrous. They currently find themselves lingering near the relegation zone, and with such a period of uncertainty among supporters, they need a big lift.
Step right up – the League Cup. The Hammers will face Manchester United later this month in their quarter-final tie in the competition, and despite how some people perceive it, this is actually a big opportunity for the club.
West Ham United’s Dimitri Payet in action with West Bromwich Albion’s Claudio Yacob
Over the years the League Cup has proven to be a great distraction from the league for some sides, with the likes of Swansea City and Sunderland making deep runs all the way to the final at Wembley.
A day out at the home of English football alongside the prospect of silverware is a big incentive for fans, and it could prove to be the catalyst for a surge in form for West Ham. If they were to go all the way and eventually achieve a mid-table finish, it would likely be considered a solid enough first season in their new home.
Beating United is definitely achievable too, especially given their start under Jose Mourinho and possible rotation. The Hammers have tough matches against Spurs and then at United in the league, if things don’t go well in those two league games, West Ham will look to the tie at Old Trafford as a chance to turn things around, build confidence and inch closer to silverware.
West Ham’s Olympic Stadium v Domizale
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