Preview: West Ham United vs. Manchester City

Put simply, West Ham United will need a miracle if they are to overcome a 6-0 first-leg deficit when they host Manchester City in the League Cup semi-finals on Tuesday.

The Hammers were hammered at the Etihad Stadium on January 8 as City effectively booked their place in the final.

While West Ham will be desperate to restore some pride in front of their own fans, they come up against a team who are scoring goals with complete and utter freedom at the moment.

City are averaging four goals a game and will be out for more of the same in midweek against their vulnerable opponents.

The home side are still struggling with injuries in defence as George McCartney, Guy Demel, Joey O'Brien and Winston Reid are all sidelined.

Meanwhile, the visitors will be without Samir Nasri, Jack Rodwell and Stevan Jovetic.

Recent form

West Ham: DLLLWL

Man City: WDWWWW

Possible starting lineups

West Ham: Adrian; Rat, Collins, Johnson, Taylor; Jarvis, Noble, Diame, J Cole, Downing; C Cole

Man City: Pantilimon; Zabaleta, Lescott, Demichelis, Kolarov; Silva, Fernandinho, Milner, Navas; Dzeko, Aguero

Sports Mole says: 0-3