Grant ponders defensive changes

Manuel Da Costa and summer signing Tal Ben Haim could come into the West Ham defence for tomorrow’s Carling Cup tie against Oxford.

Hammers boss Avram Grant is anxious for West Ham to tighten up at the back after conceding six times in their first two games of the season.

Matthew Upson is doubtful after suffering a blow to the face in Saturday’s defeat by Bolton while midfielders Thomas Hitzlsperger and Valon Behrami are still sidelined.

Team (from): Green, Stech, Kurucz, Upson, Tomkins, Ilunga, Ben Haim, Gabbidon, Spector, Da Costa, Reid, Daprela, Noble, Parker, Kovac, Barrera, Faubert, Boa Morte, Dyer, McCarthy, Sears, Nouble, Diamanti, Stanislas, Piquionne, Cole, McCarthy.