Pundit: West Ham to start Mark Noble v Dinamo Zagreb as starlets handed chance to shine
We’re delighted to welcome former West Ham United striker Frank McAvennie as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at the London Stadium…
Frank McAvennie predicts Mark Noble to be an experienced face in the West Ham starting XI against Dinamo Zagreb tonight (9 December).
The Irons host the Croatian outfit at the London Stadium safe in the knowledge that they will finish top of their Europa League group no matter the result.
It’s a big game for the away side, though, as they must claim a point to ensure a runner-up spot.
When asked if David Moyes is likely to ring the changes with some starlets earning starts, ex-Irons star McAvennie told West Ham Zone: “I think young players [will come in] but also they’ll bring in Mark Noble. He’s not exactly young but I think he’ll come in and do a job to give Declan [Rice] a rest. Noble will come in and do a good job.
“I don’t think there will be many problems given they’re already qualified. He won’t put a weak team out but he’ll rest a couple of players, I would think.”
Bidding to impress
There will be a whole host of talented stars from the Under-23s side that will be eager to get their opportunity on Thursday evening.
Armstrong Okoflex, for example, has lit up the Premier League 2 this term, scoring 11 goals in 13 appearances for the second-string side.
Meanwhile, Daniel Chesters and Sonny Perkins have already made their debuts in Europe this season and will be hoping to get another chance to shine against the Croatian giants.
In other West Ham news, the Irons could sign this ‘Incredible’ Salthouse striker in January after an on-air claim by a talkSPORT journalist.
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