West Ham striker Albian Ajeti is in line for a rare start against West Bromwich Albion this afternoon, with David Moyes also considering giving the nod to midfielder Carlos Sanchez for the FA Cup fourth-round tie at the London Stadium.
Ajeti has only started twice for the East Londoners since signing from Basel in the summer and both of those were in the Carabao Cup.
However, with Sebastien Haller out of form and Michail Antonio being eased back from injury, the Swiss will be given his first real chance to impress Moyes against Slaven Bilic's Championship leaders.
"We’ve got Ajeti who we brought in," the Scot said yesterday after being asked about possible attacking reinforcements before the transfer window shuts next Friday. "We can’t forget that he is here and find out what his level is."
Pushed on whether the 22-year-old will feature against Albion, Moyes said he "has a good chance" but it is understood that he and Sanchez, the Colombian whose last start came in Manuel Pellegrini's final game in charge before being sacked in late December, will both be given starting roles.
Moyes has noted Ajeti's ability on the training ground but admits that the real test will be seeing if he can do the job in an actual game.
“I’ve seen why he’s scored goals, that ability," the Scot added. "But what I haven’t seen is him on the big pitch, in that team situation. But I could say that about two or three players I’ve not had the chance to see in action.
"Carlos Sanchez is another one for example. I’ve not had the chance to see him. There’s one or two I’ve not had an opportunity to look at but there’s not many. We’re sort of using the group that we have really at the moment.”
