This is West Ham’s and City’s last chance at silverware this season. West Ham have a very good pedigree in this cup competition are were very unlucky to come on the losing side two seasons ago in a great cup final with Liverpool. City have been quarter finalists for the past two seasons and failed to get past that stage in the league cup just prior to Christmas.
West Ham will want however to avenge the early season defeat to the blues.
Vital Quotes:
Didi Hamann on the Cup and Wembley: “Everybody knows about the FA Cup and what a massive competition it is,” he said.
“It`s a cup competition where two teams go out on the park and only one can go through – that`s the beauty of the competition.
“Obviously, West Ham away is not an ideal draw, they`ve found a bit of form lately. We`ve got to go somewhere we won on the first day of the season, so why shouldn`t we do it again?
“It`s a tough draw, but if we do win on Saturday and go through, maybe one or two teams wouldn`t like to draw us for the next round.
“I think we`ve made a pretty good impression in the league this season and it`s another massive game for us at West Ham where hopefully we`ll come up with the goods.”
There`s a lot at stake and most players have not played at the new Wembley yet and I certainly would like to go to Wembley one day and play again there.
“There`s not too many chances left and hopefully we can make the most of it this year.”
West Ham Team News:
West Ham duo Lee Bowyer and Matthew Etherington could both return for the tie with Manchester City.
The pair have been back in training for more than a week after injury, but Julien Faubert is not yet ready.
It is probably too soon for Craig Bellamy to return as well.
Player to watch: Dean Ashton
His display against us two season’s ago cost us a semi final place and will surely want to impress the newly arrived Capello that he is worthy of an England place.
Manchester City FC Team News:
Mexico striker Nery Castillo could make his debut for Manchester City debut after receiving international clearance following his year-long loan move.
City boss Sven-Goran Eriksson has no new injury worries from the team that defeated Newcastle on Wednesday.
Michael Johnson is probably still a doubt, but apart from Bojinov City have no other injury doubts.
Player to watch: Blumer Elano
After scoring at Newcastle, his return to his full fitness best can only be around the corner.
Match Facts & Stats
City have beaten West Ham on the last three meetings, completing the double last season.
But West Ham hold a 100% FA Cup record against City having only played each other twice; both being a 2-1 scoreline.
Ref Watch:
Rob Styles – the only saving grace is that he does not have Sylvain Distin or Joey Barton to send off. A pretty poor referee overall.
Match Prediction:
West Ham have found some form recently and will be strong at home, but I do not think they are good enough to beat City so I think a scoring draw is very likely. 1-1.
Next Fixtures:
City away to the in form Everton on Saturday 12th January at a 3pm kick off.