Chris Wilder says every one of his players will have to perform to his maximum if Oxford United are to stand any chance of pulling off a Carling Cup upset at Premier League West Ham tonight (7.45).

The Hammers may not have registered a win yet this season, but Avram Grant’s squad is packed full of internationals and quality players, so whoever they select for the second-round tie at the Boleyn Ground will be of a level many U’s players will never have encountered.

“It’s going to be a very technical game, a great game for us in our education,” Wilder said.

“We’re coming up against international players of a very, very high quality, who move the ball very well.

“I watched the DVD of their game against Bolton on Saturday when they were very unfortunate not to win. It’s the top top level they’re playing at.

“We don’t know if they’re going to bring their big hitters in to try and get their first win of the season, or bring in some youngsters. But whatever they decide, they will be terrific players.

“We just want to give a good account of ourselves. It’s a massive, massive ask for us to get something out of the game. Everyone, from 1-11 and every sub that comes on, will have to be at his best for us to have any chance.”

The U’s may be without a win so far in League Two, but they earned the right to take on West Ham with a stunning 6-1 victory over League One Bristol Rovers in the first round.

And Wilder added: “We want to make a fist of it, be disciplined, be resilient and make sure we take part in the game, so that our lads go out and show they’re decent players.

“It’s very important we keep our shape and are organised and patient, and stick to our game plan – and not be gung-ho.”

Striker Matt Green sustained a dead leg in Saturday’s 0-0 draw at Wycombe, but was fit enough to train yesterday, and should be OK.

He said: “All the lads were watching Match of the Day on Saturday night, looking at the great stadium, the great pitch, the players you are going to be playing against, and wondering what strength team they’re going to put out.

“Now it’s a chance to play against them and see what they’ve got, and to test yourself, and l From Back Page see where you are in your career, so I’m sure the boys are going to relish it.

“It’s the first time I’ve played a Premiership club. I’ve played against a few Championship clubs and enjoyed it, but this is a totally different level again.

“We’ve got no pressure, we’re obviously going to go there as the underdogs and enjoy ourselves on a great playing surface, and work ourselves into the ground like we always do.”

Wilder has one enforced change, with Damian Batt’s ankle strapped after he went over on it at Adams Park.

The right back, who will be replaced by Ben Purkiss again, will have a scan on Thursday when the swelling has gone down.

But there is ligament damage, and he could be out for up to six weeks.

United’s manager may think about bringing East End lad Sam Deering back into the squad after axeing him for disciplinary reasons.

Reserve keeper Simon Eastwood is fit enough to take his place on the bench, taking over from youth-team stopper Nathan Silver.

New Zealand international defender Winston Reid is likely to feature for West Ham.

Reid came on for the injured Matthew Upson at the weekend and could start.

Tal Ben Haim and Manu da Costa are in contention, but Thomas Hitzlsperger is out.

West Ham: (from) Green, Faubert, Gabbidon, Reid, Ilunga, Dyer, Parker, Barrera, Piquionne, Cole, McCarthy, Sears, Stech, Tomkins, Boa Morte, Kovac, Upson, Ben Haim, Da Costa, Diaminti.

Oxford Utd: (from) Clarke, Purkiss, Worley, Wright, Tonkin, Heslop, Bulman, Hall, Midson, Constable, Green, Creighton, Clist, Baker, Eastwood, Cole, Potter, Deering.

DON’T miss your chance to win £75 for being the face in the crowd – sponsored by Minty Beds – at United’s game against Accrington Stanley on Saturday. Watch out for details in the Oxford Mail this week.