GIANFRANCO ZOLA insists he will ‘honour’ the FA Cup and field the strongest team possible when West Ham take on Arsenal in the third round of the FA Cup at Upton Park on Sunday.

The Hammers boss is likely to be without midfielder Scott Parker with a hamstring injury, while striker Guillermo Franco is suspended.

Youngster Freddie Sears could feature after he was recalled from his loan at Crystal Palace, while Alessandro Diamanti and Luis Jiminez could have the chance to make their first appearances in the competition.

“The FA Cup needs to be honoured,” said Zola. “We are going to play and try to win the game. We are at home against Arsenal 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 (with regard to young players). I don’t think we have much choice. But we will put out a good team.

“I have told the players to continue what they are doing. We are getting to a point where all of the hard work and commitment will come back to us. It is a matter of being strong mentally and I have no doubt we are destined for many good things.”