West Ham v Southampton: Nikola Vlasic and barely-seen £17m star tipped to start after confirmed news – pundit
Alex Kral and Nikola Vlasic could start if West Ham boss David Moyes needs to shuffle the pack against Southampton, according to Alan Hutton.
The former Scotland defender, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted he would “not be surprised” to see the 58-year-old select a strong side.
West Ham travel to Southampton in the FA Cup fifth round tonight, just three days before they face Liverpool in the Premier League – and eight days before their Europa League tie against Sevilla.
As quoted by club media (1 March), Moyes remained tight-lipped about potential team news – merely confirming he has “many players fit and available”.
Vlasic, 24, and Kral, 23, have failed to make an impression at the London Stadium since joining West Ham last summer, making just four league starts between them.
Hutton insisted Moyes will be keen to “make a charge” in the FA Cup, even with crucial games on the horizon.
“Moyes is in a really difficult position,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“His starting eleven is really strong, but if they’re missing one or two players they are significantly weakened.
“It wouldn’t surprise me if he put out a strong side. But he can afford to change the wide positions and the middle of the park. I think he’s got enough depth there with the likes of Vlasic and Kral.
“But Moyes will be looking to make a charge in every competition. Even with big Premier League and Europa League games coming up soon.”
West Ham beat Leeds United and Kidderminster Harriers to reach the fifth round stage.
Vlasic has netted just once for the Hammers after completing a reported initial £25.7million move last summer, while Kral has barely played since signing on a loan-to-buy for £12m rising to £17m.
In other news, pundit hails Moyes “sixth sense” after Rush Green reveal.