Carling Cup round one preview: West Ham United vs Aldershot Town
Last season myself and Laurie both picked a side from the FA cup onwards and followed them throughout the tournament when they lost we followed the team who beat them, this continued all the way through to the final. This year we are doing the same with the Carling Cup starting with my selection Aldershot Town.
This is the David and Goliath of the League Cup, Aldershot Town are in their 3rd year back in the Football League, coming off the back of an average season with a good end after the appointment of Dean Holdsworth.
In contrast West Ham United had a nightmare season getting relegated from the Premier League, in the summer they had somewhat of a rebuild including new manager in Sam Allardyce, as well as keeping hold of the likes England internationals Scott Parker, Carlton Cole and Robert Green.
Despite the key signings and keeping hold of star players West Ham slumped to an opening day defeat in the Championship at home to promotion rivals Cardiff City.
Aldershot had a better start to the new campaign with a 2-1 win away at Bradford with goals from striker Danny Hylton and an own goal from Bradford’s Robbie Threlfall.
Following West Hams loss they are expected to go into this tie at almost full strength in order to boost morale and get their first competitive win under Allardyce.
With confidence high in the Aldershot camp they will see this as a major chance to get their name in lights, the players will see it as a chance to make a name for themselves and with the transfer window still open maybe put themselves in the shop window.
Aldershot manager Dean Holdsworth likes to deploy a 4-2-3-1 formation which gives the side good width whilst being able to give good support to both the defence and the attack.
Aldershot don’t currently have any star names for the fans that are not familiar with the Football Leagues, you happen to watch the game look out for the earlier mention Daniel Hylton who can play any where across the front line, impressive left back Anthony Straker who represented England at under 18 level and England C international Alex Rodman who can also play across the front line.
I doubt West Ham’s squad need much introduction but should you be unaware they have many players of Premier League quality such as Mark Noble, Matthew Taylor and Kevin Nolan to name just a few.
Although many people will write them off you cannot count Aldershot out they are a good unit who work for each other and that will always give them a chance. Of course West Ham wiull be favourites with the bookies and rightly so but i do not expect a mauling.
For me the smart money is on a 3-0 or 3-1 home win, a morale boosting win for West Ham and Aldershot can go back to Hampshire with their heads held high.
What are your thoughts? Will West Ham completely dominate the shots? Who are the players to watch out for in this tie in your opinion? What is your score prediction? Leave a comment and let us know your thoughts
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