West Ham host Brentford in the fifth round of the Emirates FA Cup tonight in what is a big opportunity for both sides. 

The Hammers’ biggest priority clearly isn’t the FA Cup at the moment, however, Nuno’s side are in excellent form and could take advantage of the opportunity.

This is a winnable game for both sides, whoever wants it more and fields the stronger team has every chance of advancing to the next round.

We’re not expecting Nuno to go full strength at the London Stadium tonight, a mix of first-team starters, rotation players, and youth players seems likely.

Predicted West Ham starting XI to face Brentford: Areola; Walker-Peters, Mavropanos, Disasi, Scarles; Potts, Magassa, Fernandes; Bowen, Wilson, Traore.

I can see Areola coming in for Hermansen who has cemented his place as number one in the League. Scarles and KWP haven’t played much recently so it would make sense for them to start. Also, after being dropped for Todibo vs Fulham, Mavropanos will likely come back in.

Potts returns from suspension and is expected to come back into the team, Magassa could also start after starting on the bench at Craven Cottage. Fernandes didn’t play in the last round against Burton, so he will likely make up the midfield trio tonight

Bowen didn’t feature against Burton either, so he could start from the beginning today. Summerville has played a lot recently so he could take on a super-sub role. With Pablo Felipe still recovering, I’d start Wilson up top with Taty off the bench.

Tonight is pretty much a win-win for Nuno, if he starts a weak team and we go out we have bigger priorities, if he goes strong and we win he will be a hero, if he goes strong and we lose we have almost a week before we play Manchester City, so it wouldn’t be a nightmare.