Portuguese coach has ordered his Premier League side to practise penalties before facing the League One outfit
Nuno Espirito Santo has had West Ham practising penalties before their FA Cup tie at League One Burton
Nuno Espirito Santo has had West Ham practising penalties before their FA Cup tie at League One Burton(Image: Kevin Hodgson/Getty Images)
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Nuno Espirito Santo has revealed West Ham are practising penalties to avoid another Premier League giant killing in the FA Cup. His former club Nottingham Forest were knocked out on spot kicks by Wrexham in the opening tie of the third round.
And holders Crystal Palace were then shocked by Conference North Macclesfield in the same Saturday lunchtime TV slot where the Hammers will face League One Burton today.
The Brewers sit 21st in the third tier after five games without a win while the Hammers are fighting to escape the Premier League drop zone.
But Espirito Santo, who took his Wolves team to the Pirelli Stadium in the Championship, insisted his team are fully focussed on a “very, very tough game” as they seek an FA Cup run.
The Portuguese boss said: “I've been there and I know what it is like and we must respect the opponent. That's why we are practising penalties already. We will practice both days before the game. It's a very important part of the competition. I recall even last season, many of the rounds went to decide on penalties. It shows how seriously we are taking the tie.
“Macclesfield beating Crystal Palace shows the quality that English football has. You look at the squad of Burton, there are some good players. And I'm worried about the throw-ins”.
LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 17: Tomas Soucek and Alphonse Areola of West Ham United FC look dejected following the team's defeat during the Premier League match between West Ham United FC and Aston Villa FC at London Stadium on August 17, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
Alphonse Areola will play in goal for West Ham at League One Burton(Image: Getty Images)
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Alphonse Areola will have the job of stopping any spot kicks after Espirito Santo confirmed he will play after Mads Hermansen started the last two games.
“Normally the goalkeeper that's not been used in the Premier League plays the cup,” said the Portuguese boss. “It's not a rest for Mads. It's a normal decision. Matt's not going to rest. He's going to travel, do his job and be ready if it's needed.”
West Ham remain three points from safety with 12 games to go but their recent revival started with an extra time win over QPR in the third round.
West Ham will be bidding to avoid an FA shock at League One Burton
West Ham will be bidding to avoid an FA shock at League One Burton
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And Espirito Santo said: “The Cup is always a good chance for players that are not having too many minutes, to have a chance to play, improve, because you're going to need them further ahead. To play 90 minutes, to get game time in their legs, because you never know. Anything can happen when we need them.
“It's an important competition for us that we respect. We're going to try and go through and take it day by day, see where the FA Cup leads us.”
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