Carroll And Nasri Poised To Start Against Blues

Andy Carroll is expected to start Saturday’s FA Cup third-round tie with Birmingham and Samir Nasri is poised to make his debut.

Nasri, the 31-year-old former Manchester City and Arsenal midfielder, joined the Hammers as a free agent on New Year’s Eve once his 18-month doping ban was complete, and he will look to make up for lost time when Blues visit the London Stadium.

Related: Carroll Set For November Return

Having played three games in seven days and with a lengthy injury list, boss Manuel Pellegrini will make further changes against the Championship side, with Carroll expected to start, while the likes of Lucas Perez and Adrian could also come in, with Marko Arnautovic, Declan Rice and Felipe Anderson poised to be rested.

Pellegrini said: “It’s important to rest players who have played so many games in December, but also it is important to continue in the FA Cup.

“It is a way to get a spot in Europe, to win a championship, so we are going to play this game as seriously as we can.

“But, of course, there are some players who have played too many games, so we will see which ones will be able to continue playing.

“First of all to win a title with West Ham is a very important thing, it is one of my targets, and the way I think and have my mentality, I always try to win.

“I think the FA Cup is a very important trophy, a good cup, the whole country plays it, so of course for any manager it is always beautiful to win.”