West Ham were left fuming with referee decisions that ultimately cost them all three points in their 2-0 defeat to Manchester United on Monday and now they welcome Manchester City on Friday in their first FA Cup match of the season.
You would have suspected City had also lost on Monday by the way Pep Guardiola gave his post-match interview but City were actually 2-1 winners against Burnley, although Guardiola was evidently not happy with the manner of the victory. Expect some sort of response from his players here. Place your bet on Naijabet.com
The Hammers are unbeaten in their last two home meetings with City but are the underdogs ahead of Friday’s fixture. They will need to keep 11 men on the pitch to have a chance of inflicting further misery on Guardiola.
Team News
West Ham – Sofiane Feghouli’s red card against Manchester United on Monday has been rescinded and he is free to play against Manchester City in the FA Cup on Friday. Having only played 15 minutes in the 2-0 defeat before being sent off, he should be fresh to start again here.
West Ham captain Mark Noble is expected to be restored to the starting XI after only being deemed fit enough to make the bench on Monday, where he was an unused substitute.
Cheikhou Kouyate is on international duty with Senegal ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations and is unavailable for the next month.
Dimitri Payet looked tired against United and may be given a rest on Friday, which should facilitate Andy Carroll’s return to the starting XI.
Sam Byram, Reece Oxford and James Collins are the closest to returning to first-team action from West Ham’s injury list and they may be involved at one stage on Friday.
Manchester City – Fernandinho is suspended for Manchester City’s next four matches after picking up his second red card of the Premier League campaign in the 2-1 win over Burnley on Monday.
Pep Guardiola seemed furious with the performance despite picking up the win and there could be some changes to the starting XI on Friday, with some youngsters given their chance to impress.
Vincent Kompany and Ilkay Gundogan are ruled out, while Leroy Sane remains a doubt after missing their last three matches with a knock. Fabian Delph is another fitness concern.
Match Facts
West Ham have seen over 2.5 goals in 8 of their last 10 matches against Man City in all competitions.
Man City have scored at least 2 goals in 8 of their last 10 matches against West Ham in all competitions.
There have been over 2.5 goals scored in 5 of Man City‘s last 6 games (FA Cup).
As at this post West Ham has 5.28 odd to win the match on NaijaBet while Manchester City has 1.55 odd to win the match also, while the odd to draw the match is 4.32.
