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Although Moncs has largely been a bit-part player this season, it does give Glenn a bit of strength in depth that he has lacked over the past few games. Several players have been played out of position in recent matches, with Trevor Sinclair moving from the flanks to centre midfield, and Sebastien Schemmel pushing up to right midfield.
Carrick underwent a double hernia operation last month, and was always aiming to return to fitness in time for this match, and credit must go to both the player and the physio staff at Upton Park.
The problem now for Glenn lies with who he is going to pick for the clash - a match in which all the players will be wanting a piece of the action. For this match there is healthy competition in all areas of the pitch, so it's make your mind up time for the Hammers manager.
In front of keeper David James, there are 6 defenders fighting for what should be 4 places, providing Glenn sticks with the 4-4-2 formation that has proved so successful at home this season.
Repka, Dailly and Pearce are fighting for the two centre-back spots, whilst Winterburn and Labant are competing for the left back position. For defence though, I would expect Glenn to stick with his regular four for the season with Schemmel at right back, Dailly and Repka in the centre, and Winterburn on the left.
Ian Pearce offers height and strength in the box, which the Hammers don't have in abundance, except through James - the tallest keeper in the league. Glenn might be willing to put Pearce on instead of either Dailly or Schemmel, but this is a risky option, unproven as it is, so I would expect the Hammers boss to stick with the tried and tested pairing.
Vladimir Labant has made several substitute appearances since his signing, and will probably start on the bench again for this tie. Hayden Foxe also returns for this clash from injury, but he would be lucky to make it onto the bench.
In midfield it would seem slightly more straight-forward. With Carrick back in the centre with Cole, Sinclair should push out to this season's position on the left, whilst Steve Lomas will likely be given the right midfield spot. John Moncur will probably have to make do with the bench, although he faces competition with Aussie Richard Garcia.
Up front Glenn has more selection headaches, with di Canio, Defoe and Kanoute fighting for two places. In the current Hammers poll (below, but still open to votes), at the time of writing, 42% of fans want Glenn to pick all three, but I doubt the manager would be so bold.
A surprisingly high 33% want the Hammers boss to pick Defoe and di Canio, and only 18% want the tried and tested pairing of Kanoute and di Canio. I would imagine therefore that 82% of will be dissapointed, because I reckon Glenn will pick di Canio and Kanoute, although I would prefer to see Defoe there in place of Kanoute.
Whatever team lines up against the Reds tomorrow, without doubt they will be up for the game, and the result could once more put a dent in United's Premiership challenge or eliminate any chances of European involvement for the Hammers.
| Who Should Play In Attack Against Man U? (Running from Thursday 14th March 2002 to Saturday 16th March 2002) | |||
| Kanoute & Di Canio |
| 18.2% | |
| Defoe & Kanoute |
| 6.1% | |
| Defoe & Di Canio |
| 33.3% | |
| All Three |
| 42.4% | |
