Manuel da Costa looks set to continue his comeback from an ankle injury when West Ham United host West Bromwich Albion in the Barclays Premier Reserve League on Wednesday evening.
The Portuguese defender, who has not featured since being injured in the Barclays Premier League match at Arsenal on 30 October, will hope to start in what is the reserves' first competitive fixture since hosting Chelsea on 24 November.
Academy Director Tony Carr takes charge of the second-string following Alex Dyer's departure to take over the role of assistant manager at Charlton Athletic. Dyer has become No2 to former West Ham and England left-back Chris Powell at The Valley.
"I would like to wish Alex all the best in his new role," said Carr. "Hopefully he can get Charlton promoted with Chrissy, who is an old friend of ours.
"It's a great opportunity for Alex and of course he couldn't turn it down. He started with me in the Academy as a conditioning coach but he's always wanted to be a management-type of coach.
"He's served his apprenticeship here and I can only wish him and Chris the best for the future."
Carr is looking forward to working with a squad of players that includes many who have come through the ranks of the Academy, including young professionals Jordan Brown, Olly Lee and Ahmed Abdulla.
"I've been promoted for a week!" joked Carr. "Seriously speaking, I have had experience of taking the reserves in the past and although I understand it only a short-term measure this week with the first team up at Blackpool, I'm looking forward to it.
"There are one or two of the senior boys playing - Manu da Costa is continuing his comeback from injury and Herita Ilunga is also going to turn out - but the rest of the squad are players I have had as young players, so it'll be nothing new.
"It'll be interesting to coach at that level and see what sort of response I get from the players.
"The massive gap between games is a big problem with the reserve league and it is still not right. The Premier League is trying to devise a system where the matches are more regular.
"The lads have been training all through the bad weather but not been able to play. There is nothing worse than training week-in, week-out and then not having a match, so I'm sure the boys will be chomping at the bit to return to action."
Kick-off at Bishop's Stortford FC's Woodside Park is at 7pm. Admission is £3 for adults and £2 for concessions, while season ticket holders are admitted free of charge. Parking at the stadium is free.