MX23RW : Friday, March 29 04:36:37| >> :120:30480:30480:
[monks data]
Attendance: 58,911
West Ham logo
FA Cup | Fourth Round
Jan 25, 2020 at 3pm UK
 
West Brom logo

0-1

FT(HT: 0-1)

Preview: West Ham United vs. West Bromwich Albion - prediction, team news, lineups

Sports Mole provides team news, predicted lineups and a full preview of Saturday's FA Cup fourth-round tie between West Ham United and West Bromwich Albion.

West Ham United head into their FA Cup fourth-round clash with West Bromwich Albion looking to bounce back from the 4-1 defeat at Leicester City earlier this week.

Meanwhile, despite sitting top of the Championship standings, the Baggies make the trip to the London Stadium after a disappointing run of form in the second tier.


Match preview

West Ham manager David Moyes on January 10, 2020© Reuters

When David Moyes began his second West Ham reign with back-to-back wins, he would naturally have been optimistic about the rapid improvement of a squad which had underperformed for predecessor Manuel Pellegrini.

However, three games later and reality has set in for the Scot, who has witnessed his team fail to defeat Sheffield United, Everton and Leicester City.

While securing a draw with Everton last weekend was respectable enough, the performance during Wednesday's 4-1 defeat at Leicester would have set alarm bells ringing with Moyes, who will now feel that he has to make changes to his squad before the end of the month.

At a time when West Ham only remain out of the relegation zone on goal difference, a double-header with Liverpool and a trip to Manchester City feature in the club's next four Premier League games.

Despite holding the ambition to go far in the FA Cup, Moyes knows that Saturday's game is just as important in terms of building some confidence within the group before hosting the league leaders next week.

Belief has also been lacking at West Brom in recent weeks, with manager Slaven Bilic acknowledging that the Baggies have got themselves in something of a rut.

Nevertheless, on his return to a club who he has represented as a player and in the dugout, the Croatian will be expecting a response to Monday's home defeat to Stoke City.

The second-tier pacesetters are now six games with success in the Championship - a run of form which will concern Bilic ahead of their trip to Cardiff City next week.

For now though, Bilic can use this opportunity to hand game time to some of the fringe members of his squad - players who may become increasingly important during the closing months of the season.

West Ham FA Cup form form: W
West Ham form (all competitions): LWWLDL

West Brom FA Cup competition form: W
West Brom form (all competitions): DLDWDL


Team News

West Ham United defender Winston Reid pictured in July 2019© Reuters

Having featured among the replacements at the King Power Stadium, Winston Reid could make his long-awaited playing return after a knee injury.

Moyes will likely revert back to a four-man defence, resulting in a recall for Fabian Balbuena, while Carlos Sanchez could feature in the middle of the park.

Michail Antonio should come into the team on the right flank, with Albian Ajeti coming into the attack in place of Sebastian Haller.

Given their need to rotate, Bilic could opt to include Charlie Austin and Kenneth Zohore, with Kyle Edwards being used on the left flank.

Filip Krovinovic should feature in midfield, while Semi Ajayi is in line to come in for Ahmed Hegazi at centre-back.

West Ham possible starting lineup:
Martin; Zabaleta, Reid, Balbuena, Masuaku; Sanchez, Noble; Antonio, Fornals, Lanzini; Ajeti

West Brom possible starting lineup:
Bond; Furlong, Ajayi, Bartley, Brunt; Barry, Livermore, Krovinovic; Edwards, Austin, Zohore


Sports Mole Logo

We say: West Ham 2-1 West Brom

Given their respective form and probable team changes, this match is a tricky one to call. However, while the Baggies may relish the chance to play at the London Stadium, we feel that West Ham will have just enough quality to edge through to the last 16.



ID:387171: cacheID:387171:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:8063:No Data Analysis info

Previews by email

Click here to get Sports Mole's daily email of previews and predictions for every major game!


Restore Data
Share this article now:
West Bromwich Albion manager Slaven Bilic on January 20, 2020
Read Next:
Slaven Bilic admits to "mini crisis" as West Brom stutter
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!