Slaven Bilic talks up importance of Accrington clash
West Ham boss Slaven Bilic has branded the EFL Cup meeting with Sky Bet League Two Accrington as the first of three finals for his side.
The Hammers, already in the bottom three of the Premier League following four defeats from their first five matches, then face crucial home games with Southampton and Middlesbrough.
"Very soon it is that time in the league when you can get in trouble," admitted Bilic.
"We have to act, and very soon you can get out of trouble but it isn't going to happen by default.
"We have to do it. Starting from tomorrow we have three mega games, three cup finals before the next international break.
"This game is a good opportunity for us, it's an interesting competition for us. It's good to have a game tomorrow night."
Bilic will make changes for the third-round clash and is set to hand a debut to former Real Madrid and Spain right-back Alvaro Arbeloa, who arrived as a free agent on deadline day.
Young defender Reece Oxford could also come into the side amid continued speculation surrounding his future.
Oxford, who will be out of contract at the end of next season, has been linked with Arsenal and both Manchester clubs but Bilic revealed talks over a new deal for the 17-year-old are ongoing.
And Bilic has urged Oxford to follow the example of previous West Ham alumni such as Rio Ferdinand, Frank Lampard and Michael Carrick, who became regulars with the Hammers before embarking on successful careers.
"There are a few examples of players who had great careers who started at West Ham," he added.
"Rio plays in his position so it's very similar. Then Lampard and Carrick. At first they went on loan, short-term, and came back and became regulars at West Ham, and had time to become world-class players.
"I know his representatives are talking to the club and hopefully it will be sorted soon, in a good way."
Accrington look set to be without forward Shay McCartan again for the trip to the London Stadium.
McCartan has an ongoing problem with a dead leg and has missed Stanley's last two matches after returning from international duty with Northern Ireland Under-21s.
Also not involved in Saturday's 1-0 League Two win over Portsmouth was Scott Brown.
The midfielder was ill, but boss John Coleman is hopeful Brown will be available for Wednesday's tie.
Source: PAR
