da betsson： West Ham play host to title-chasing Manchester City in the hope of securing a place in the fourth round of the FA Cup tonight.
da pinnacle： The Irons have enjoyed a festive period that witnessed them increase the gap between themselves and the relegation zone in league action, with three wins and a controversial defeat against Manchester United.
It would be foolish for Slaven Bilic to underestimate Pep Guardiola’s Man City team, though, despite the Citizens’ title challenge being rocked by a loss at Liverpool on New Year’s Eve.
Nonetheless, Guardiola’s side have the ability to press the self-destruct button and could allow the Hammers to pull off an early shock.
To have a chance of keeping his team’s name in the mix for the next round, Bilic must pick this starting XI at the London Stadium…
GK: Darren Randolph
Republic of Ireland international Randolph has looked a man possessed in recent weeks with his performances saving the Hammers from embarrassing defeats on numerous occasions.
Randolph fully deserves his place in the starting XI, with Adrian set to remain on the bench for the visit of the two-time Premier League champions.
RB: Michail Antonio
From set-pieces, Antonio’s contribution could be decisive. The versatile star missed two crucial – and potentially game-changing – chances during his team’s defeat to Manchester United, though.
Antonio also must not neglect his defensive duties against the Citizens as allowing them space to run into could make for brutal viewing for the home supporters.
CB: Winston Reid
You get the feeling that if Reid plays well, West Ham’s chances of victory are instantly doubled.
The defender continues to be a leader in Bilic’s side, and he must contain the returning Sergio Aguero tonight.
Reid was controversially elbowed by the Argentine during their defeat to City in August, and overcoming City would be the perfect revenge for the New Zealand international.
CB: Angelo Ogbonna
As Collins faces a late fitness test to return to the side, Bilic would be foolish to risk playing the defender with bigger fixtures still in store for the Hammers.
The Italian defender divides opinion amongst the Hammers faithful, but his performances over the Christmas period mean he is deserving of his place in the starting XI.
LB: Aaron Cresswell
Along with Collins, Arthur Masuaku faces a late fitness test so Bilic should stick to what has proved successful for the east Londoners thus far this campaign.
Cresswell gives the Hammers defensive security while also providing that ability to stretch opponents’ defences.
Against the quality of City, Cresswell will have to be more disciplined going forward.
CM: Pedro Obiang
Obiang has forced his way into the Hammers side after a slow debut season.
The Spaniard was impressive against Manchester United on Monday and his ability is there for all to witness. He offers physcilaity and dynamism, which will be vital vs. Man City.
CM: Havard Nordtveit
Norwegian midfielder Nordtveit has struggled for a regular starting position in the West Ham side this season, but a respectable performance against Manchester City may finally secure regular first-team football for the former Arsenal trainee.
With Nordtveit expected to be the anchorman for the Hammers, he needs to make sure any City counter-attacks are swiftly halted to guarantee the damage is limited.
CAM: Manuel Lanzini
Argentine midfielder Lanzini has struggled to regain the form that meant the Hammers had to fend off competition to sign him over the summer.
With competition for places expected to become even more fierce with players returning to full fitness, Lanzini has his chance to shine against one of European football’s best teams, and he must take it.
RW: Sofiane Feghouli
Having had his red card rescinded following a controversial challenge against Manchester United and having not been called up to the Africa Cup of Nations, Feghouli must start against Guardiola’s side.
The Algerian winger is yet to showcase his real potential thus far at the London Stadium, and now would be the perfect time for the former Valencia ace to end any doubts surrounding his ability.
LW: Dimitri Payet
French midfielder Payet has an influential role to play, as his ability from set-pieces could severely damage a weak City back-four.
Payet is the one player in the West Ham squad with that wow factor and he could turn it on on the big stage.
ST: Andy Carroll
The England international is still trying to regain match fitness, and with the Irons stuck in a battle to avoid the drop, Carroll could be instrumental in them surviving relegation.
Carroll has scored three goals against City during his career, and another one against Guardiola’s side could see the Hammers through to the next round.