Capital Radio commentator Jonathan Pearce reckons some of
Chelsea's players might get an 'interesting' reception
on Wednesday night.
Referring to the players that refused to travel to Israel last week, Jonathan says:
"I hope the fans lift what roof there is in the Doc Martens stand and get into Chelsea, who come with the bravery of one or two of their players being questioned.
"If there is a crowd to get on the back of players whose bravery is suspect then it is the Chicken Run, so let's hope they give it to them.
"I think Upton Park always was a unique football ground for midweek games.
"With the new stand being pushed back as it has been, the atmosphere at this moment, until we get the wraparound, is lacking somewhat, but that will change.".
A number of supporters booed Trevor Sinclair on Saturday but it may be they now turn their attentions elsewhere.
But, mindful of the fact Frank Lampard makes his first return to Upton Park, Glenn Roeder has warned against adverse crowd reaction serving only to motivate the player still further.
Talking of Trevor's recent decision to ask for a transfer, Jonathan says:
"I think Trevor really put a lot of effort in on Saturday but it is unnecessary for him to leave West Ham to get in the England set-up.
"He is already in the England squad and maybe his vision has been slightly clouded in recent weeks.
"It was good to see Trevor back; he is a very gifted player, the natural understudy to David Beckham in the England side.
"If West Ham can get £9m or £10m that would be about right - the figure of £7m is far too cheap."
Jonathan, who witnessed the win over Southampton, thinks the hype surrounding the fixture was overdone.
"They had played two games at home before Saturday, having drawn with a league leading Leeds United side and beating Newcastle - and now they have got the win over Southampton.
"I thought they passed the ball around quite quickly at times but only in fits and starts.
"I honestly believe they are going to be okay; a lot of doom and gloom merchants haven't paid enough attention to the fact that they haven't been at Upton Park enough times this season.
"But as Paolo himself has hinted they need three or four players."
Jonathan is certain that the fans are behind Glenn Roeder, and adds:
"I think when he trapped the ball down by the touchline on Saturday and they gave him an almighty roar it shows that people genuinely want to see him succeed here.
"If you speak to people like Joe Cole, they will tell you what a good coach he is.
"The written press might not think he is as charismatic as a Harry Redknapp but I think Glenn is a thoroughly decent human being, a good coach, and I hope that people give him the chance."
There is still no place for Rigobert Song or Joe Cole, who are in light training.
Steve Lomas returns to the squad but is unlikely to figure.
Squad: Hislop, Schemmel, Repka, Dailly, Winterburn, Sinclair, Hutchison, Carrick, Courtois, Kanoute, Di Canio, Defoe, Kitson, Moncur, Bywater, Minto, Potts, Lomas, Foxe.
Referring to the players that refused to travel to Israel last week, Jonathan says:
"I hope the fans lift what roof there is in the Doc Martens stand and get into Chelsea, who come with the bravery of one or two of their players being questioned.
"If there is a crowd to get on the back of players whose bravery is suspect then it is the Chicken Run, so let's hope they give it to them.
"I think Upton Park always was a unique football ground for midweek games.
"With the new stand being pushed back as it has been, the atmosphere at this moment, until we get the wraparound, is lacking somewhat, but that will change.".
A number of supporters booed Trevor Sinclair on Saturday but it may be they now turn their attentions elsewhere.
But, mindful of the fact Frank Lampard makes his first return to Upton Park, Glenn Roeder has warned against adverse crowd reaction serving only to motivate the player still further.
Talking of Trevor's recent decision to ask for a transfer, Jonathan says:
"I think Trevor really put a lot of effort in on Saturday but it is unnecessary for him to leave West Ham to get in the England set-up.
"He is already in the England squad and maybe his vision has been slightly clouded in recent weeks.
"It was good to see Trevor back; he is a very gifted player, the natural understudy to David Beckham in the England side.
"If West Ham can get £9m or £10m that would be about right - the figure of £7m is far too cheap."
Jonathan, who witnessed the win over Southampton, thinks the hype surrounding the fixture was overdone.
"They had played two games at home before Saturday, having drawn with a league leading Leeds United side and beating Newcastle - and now they have got the win over Southampton.
"I thought they passed the ball around quite quickly at times but only in fits and starts.
"I honestly believe they are going to be okay; a lot of doom and gloom merchants haven't paid enough attention to the fact that they haven't been at Upton Park enough times this season.
"But as Paolo himself has hinted they need three or four players."
Jonathan is certain that the fans are behind Glenn Roeder, and adds:
"I think when he trapped the ball down by the touchline on Saturday and they gave him an almighty roar it shows that people genuinely want to see him succeed here.
"If you speak to people like Joe Cole, they will tell you what a good coach he is.
"The written press might not think he is as charismatic as a Harry Redknapp but I think Glenn is a thoroughly decent human being, a good coach, and I hope that people give him the chance."
There is still no place for Rigobert Song or Joe Cole, who are in light training.
Steve Lomas returns to the squad but is unlikely to figure.
Squad: Hislop, Schemmel, Repka, Dailly, Winterburn, Sinclair, Hutchison, Carrick, Courtois, Kanoute, Di Canio, Defoe, Kitson, Moncur, Bywater, Minto, Potts, Lomas, Foxe.