West Ham's academy was once so illustrious it was known as simply 'The Academy'.
Indeed, the Hammers' youth set-up is synonymous with exciting, technical talents and was responsible for half of England's failed 'golden generation' - which included the likes of Rio Ferdinand, Frank Lampard, Michael Carrick, Jermain Defoe and Joe Cole.
But the Irons' academy hasn't been quite so productive in recent years, in no small part due to the club prioritising the preservation of it's Premier League status.
However, West Ham face Chelsea in the League Cup this evening and the competition is traditionally the preferred platform to blood in young players bursting with potential.
With that in mind, Football FanCast have been running the rule over four young Hammers we think deserve the chance to impress against the Blues this evening.
What do you think, West Ham fans - should Slaven Bilic give these four the nod tonight?
Domingos Quina
Domingos Quina may only be 16 years of age but his pedigree is undoubted, previously enjoying spells with Benfica and Chelsea before moving to east London during the summer, and Slaven Bilic appears to rate the youngster, already issuing him two appearances in the Europa League.
Admittedly, the attacking midfielder could struggle physically against his former employers but he's used to playing above his age group, already representing Portugal three times at U18 level. That being said, a cameo outing from the bench seems more sensible than thrusting Quina into the heart of the action.
Reece Oxford
Lauded by West Ham's divisional rivals yet still awaiting his first Premier League appearance of the season, refusing Reece Oxford game time in the League Cup could cost the Hammers dearly in the coming transfer windows - with his contract due to expire in summer 2018.
The 17-year-old burst onto the scene with that commanding performance against Arsenal on the opening day of last season but has found first team opportunities rather limited since. He already looks like a senior player, in terms of stature, confidence and composure, but it makes more sense to deploy him as a deep-lying midfielder rather than part of a defence that's been shaky to say the least this season.
Ashley Fletcher
Much is expected of Ashley Fletcher after trading Manchester United for the Hammers during the summer and although the youngster's still awaiting his first West Ham goal, he's looked lively, productive and energetic in the final third.
With most of West Ham's strike-force injured and fellow arrival Simone Zaza hopelessly out of form, the timing feels right to issue the 21-year-old a start against high-profile opponents. The element of surprise accompanying the prodigious forward could well catch Chelsea's defence off-guard.
Edimilson Fernandes
Edimiilson Fernandes made his first Premier League start for the Hammers last weekend and impressed in the left wing-back role.
Aaron Cresswell looks set to take up that position tonight after missing the Sunderland win through suspension, but the Swiss youngster, aged just 20, still has plenty to offer West Ham's midfield.
Indeed, he boasts physicality and energy in abundance and could provide the extra layer of defensive protection often required upon facing high-calibre opponents like the Blues. However, Bilic may be wary of starting the youngster twice in the space of five days.