It’s back! The magic of the FA Cup returns this weekend and here at the Transfer Tavern, we are expecting a full bar as West Ham face off with Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.
Both sides could really do with a win that is for sure, making this a mouth-watering tie in east London.
The Hammers were hard out of luck in their last game, as they lost 2-0 at home to City’s rivals Manchester United, but for a few questionable decisions, it could have been a very different outcome for the Irons.
Things are looking up for them in recent weeks and perhaps the notion of a cup tie can take their minds off a frustrating league campaign.
They’ll look to take advantage of the current situation unfolding at Manchester City, where it appears it’s not all going Guardiola’s way this season.
With that, we feel if West Ham were to field this staring eleven that they could cause a shock in the FA Cup.
GK: DARREN RANDOLPH
The shot-stopper has been great since he was brought into the first team and has kept his side in a number of games with some world class saves, and if the Hammers are to get through this round they’ll have to stick with him over Adrian.
LB: AARON CRESSWELL
The left-back has been superb for West Ham after coming back from injury in late 2016 and he’ll have his work cut out to help his side through in this game.
CB: WINSTON REID
He’s been superb in recent weeks for West Ham, he’s even bagged himself a goal recently at Swansea City.
The New Zealand international will have his work cut out with whoever City will choose to feature up top, whether it’ll be Aguero or Iheanach, it’ll be a tough battle.
CB: ANGELO OGBONNA
The Italian has forged a brilliant partnership with both Kouyate and Reid, but with Kouyate out in the African Cup of Nations, its likely he’ll be with in a duo with Reid.
The Hammers faithful will be hoping they can continue the fine form they’ve been in recently.
RB: HAVARD NORDTVEIT
The Norwegian finally looks settled at West Ham and has been brilliant for them in the past few games.
He’s one of the only summer signings to really make an impact in the first eleven.
CDM: MARK NOBLE
The West Ham captain missed out last time due to a slight knock but still made the bench and we fully expect him to be back in the side for this one as he’ll look to help his side through to the next round of the illustrious FA Cup.
CDM: PEDRO OBIANG
The former Sampdoria midfielder has been a game changer in the middle of the park for the Hammers.
He had to be patient to get his chance, but he has taken it with both hands but has become quite the fan favourite this season in an otherwise shaky year for the Irons.
LM: DIMITRI PAYET
Despite recent speculation of a move back to France for the French international, he is still very much a West Ham player and very good one at that.
He’s been superb for West Ham recently and just needs someone to get on the end of the chances he is creating for the players in front of him.
CAM: MANUEL LANZINI
Was missed when he was out injured and has been a vital player since arriving on-loan last season from the Middle-East.
The 24-year-old can produce moment of magical genius and his side will need the best out of him in this one, that’s for sure.
RM: SOFAINE FEGHOULI
After being controversially sent off in the United game after just 15-minutes, he has had it overturned and can look to try and cement his place in the starting XI.
Having played very well in the short time he was on the field on Monday night, the Algerian could really stake a claim.
ST: MICHAIL ANTONIO
The player has been arguably the best player for West Ham this season and he’s everywhere on the field.
He’s a model professional and has the ability to make things happen, he’s found himself in every position on the pitch at one point or another this season- barring in goal of course.
