FA Cup preview and odds: West Ham United vs Manchester City

Published on: 06/01/2017

Premier League preview and odds: West Ham United vs Manchester City

January 06, 2016 19:55pm - London Stadium

Referee: TBC

Premier League

One of the stand out clashes from the third round of the FA Cup will see two Premier League sides go head-to-head, as 13th-ranked West Ham United take on title hopefuls Manchester City at the London Stadium.

Hammers hoping for Cup boost after shaky start to season

Since they made the move from Upton Park to Stratford, West Ham United have had little to cheer about. However, they now have a chance to revive their season by recording a Cup win against one of the strongest clubs in the Premier League.

The good news for Slavan Bilic`s men is that they do have a decent record at home in this competition, with just one defeat since 2011. However, that was before they moved to their new London Stadium home. Last year, they beat Wolverhampton Wanderers, Liverpool and Blackburn Rovers before falling at home to Manchester United in a replay.

The Hammers come in to this game on the back of consecutive Premier League defeats away to Leicester City (1-0) and at home to Manchester United (2-0).

Meanwhile, Manchester City enjoyed a winning start to 2017, beating Burnley 2-1 at home in the Premier League. As a result, they remain in fourth place in the league, seven points behind leaders Chelsea.

The last time they featured in this competition, City put out a weakened side and were thrashed 5-1 by Chelsea. Pep Guardiola may opt to take a different approach to his predecessor as he looks to bag some silverware in his first season in charge.

The Citizens have been far from convincing in recent weeks but do have a decent record away from home in this competition, with the defeat at Chelsea marking there only loss in their last eight.

Team news

West Ham are without Andre Ayew and Cheik Kouyate, who are both on African Cup of Nations duty, while Alvaro Arbeloa (knock), Arthur Masuaku (knee), Diafra Sakho (hamstring) and Gokhan Tore (quadriceps) are both out injured.

Meanwhile, City will continue without the injured trio of Leroy Sane (muscle), Ilkay Gundogan (knee) and Vincent Kompany (knee).

Recent form (All comps):

West Ham United: LLWWW

Manchester City: WLWWW

Betting odds and tips

West Ham have only scored more than a single goal in one of their last 10 home matches in all competitions. Meanwhile, City have scored two goals or more in five of their last seven away games. The Hammers¡ shyness in front of goal could cost them a place in the next round.

You can back City to win at 7/10 with Bet365.

By Neil Morris

Published on: 06/01/2017

Any odds displayed within this preview were correct at the time of publishing (06/01/2017 15:25:49) but are subject to change.