If the kids are United

Gianfranco Zola is set to make widespread changes to his team for this afternoon's FA Cup third round clash with Arsenal.

With the squad stretched to its limits as a result of a spate of injuries, Zola is likely to give first team debut starts to at least one or two youngsters - including striker Frank Nouble, who may deputise for the suspended Guillermo Franco.

Others, such as full back Fabio Daprela and midfielders Josh Payne and Anthony Edgar could also be involved whilst Freddie Sears, who cut short a loan spell at Crystal Palace last week should also make the eighteen-strong squad.

Looking ahead to the clash, which is being broadcast live in the UK, an optimistic Zola said:

"The FA Cup needs to be honoured. We are going to play and try to win the game; we are at home and we will have a go. I know it is maybe not the priority but we will be there and up for it.

"We will see what we will do, I don't think we have much choice. But we will put out a good team. It is a good opportunity I have the chance to make some changes. We will take it seriously.

"It would be great to get past Arsenal and into the fourth round," he added. "The FA Cup is still an amazing competition. It is the tradition and history that makes it so special, as well as the passion it brings out in people. I was blessed to win it twice as a player and it is one of the best achievements of my career in football."

Despite uncertainty over his immediate future, club captain Matthew Upson is likely to feature - as should goalkeeper Robert Green, another Hammer who has been linked with a transfer window move.

Alessandro Diamanti, with five goals to his name since moving from Livorno last August should be offered the opportunity to continue his rich vein of form and close the gap on leading goalscorer Carlton Cole, who has scored seven times this season.

Meanwhile, Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger - who is also likely to field several reserves - has admitted that the FA Cup is way down on his list of priorities this season. Talking to arsenal.com, he said:

"The Premier League is always more important but we are looking after trophies in the eyes of the fans, so the [FA] Cup is important to me as well. The League is so hard that you want to take care of your position - and maybe West Ham are in a bit of a similar situation to us in that sense right now.

"I will have to rest some players because there were some knocks against Portsmouth; I will change some players, that is for sure. But while the Carling Cup is, for us, exclusively for young players, the FA Cup is one to win."