There’s a huge all-Premier League showdown in the third round of the English FA Cup this weekend as West Ham United hosts Manchester City at the London Olympic Stadium on Friday, January 6th. Both clubs are entering the competition in this round. Man City is entering the match following their 2-1 home win over newly-promoted Burnley on Monday while West Ham was beaten 2-0 at home by Manchester United the same day.
West Ham United vs Manchester City – Pinnacle Soccer Betting Line:
- Pinnacle currently lists Man City as the favorites to win the game at -153 with West Ham +461 and a draw at +306
West Ham United vs Manchester City – Head to Head:
- These two teams met twice in league action last season with Man City winning 3-1 at home and drawing 2-2 in London. Overall, these two sides have met 103 times in the past with Man United winning 49, losing 37 and drawing the other 17. West Ham has won just two of the last 15 meetings along with three draws and 10 defeats. They last met in the FA Cup in 2008. City won a replay 1-0 at home after playing to a 0-0 draw in London.
West Ham United – A Closer Look:
West Ham has lost their past two league games, 1-0 at reigning champions Leicester and 2-0 at home against Man United. They were down to 10 men against Man United after Sofiane Feghouli was sent off with a red card. However, he could be available against Man City if he wins an appeal. Andre Ayew and Cheikhou Kouyate will both definitely miss the match though as they’re playing at the African Cup of Nations. Defenders Arthur Masuaku, Sam Byram, Reece Oxford and James Collins are unlikely to play while forward Diafra Sakho is a few weeks away from returning and midfielder Gokhan Tore is out for the rest of the season.
The Hammers made it as far as the sixth round in the FA Cup last season, but were beaten 2-1 by Man United in a home replay after drawing them 1-1 at Old Trafford. They currently sit in 13th place in the 20-team Premier League with 22 points out of a possible 60 after 20 games. They have six wins, four draws and 10 losses with just 23 goals scored and 35 allowed. West Ham is 27 points behind league-leading Chelsea and is just seven points ahead of 18th-place Sunderland and the relegation zone.
Manchester City – A Closer Look:
Manchester City has lost just three of their past 12 matches in all competitions along with six wins and three draws, including four wins in their last five league games. Still, they’ve won just eight of their past 20 contests in all competitions. A recent big win over Arsenal saw them climb into third place on the table and they remain there even after a recent loss to Liverpool. City has 42 points from 13 wins, three draws and four losses. They’ve scored 41 times and have allowed 22 goals against. They’re still seven points behind Chelsea, two behind second-place Liverpool, tied with Tottenham and one up on fifth-place Arsenal.
Manager Pep Guardiola will be without the undisciplined Fernandinho as he’s now deservedly sitting out the first game of a four-game suspension following his third red card in his last six appearances. In addition, midfielder Ilkay Gündogan is expected to miss the rest of the following recent knee surgery and captain Vincent Kompany is still listed as day to day. Man City has seven wins and three losses on the road this season compared to six wins, three draws and a loss at home. City was knocked out of the FA Cup 5-1 by Chelsea in the fifth round last season.
West Ham United vs Manchester City – Takeaway:
West Ham’s only shot at silverware will be the FA Cup so they better take it seriously. Man City is still in the hunt for the Premier League title, but is fading and they’re still in the European Championships.
by Ian S. Palmer