In the words of Curtis Mayfield, as sung by the Staple Singers, “let’s do it again.” With a score draw last weekend against Bristol City, in the FA Cup third round, it’s time for a replay.
As his Hammers side prepares for battle against Brsitol, manager David Moyes faces the challenge of selecting a starting lineup that can combat the strengths and exploit the weaknesses of the EFL Championship level opposition. The predicted lineup that follows below combines defensive solidity, midfield dynamism, and attacking flair. That combination has proven to be a winning hand this season.
FA Cup 3rd Round Replay FYIs
West Ham United vs Bristol City
Kick Off: Tue. Jan 16, 2024, at 7:45 pm UK time, Ashton Gate
West Ham United Previews: Team News Starting XI Prediction
Premier League book authored by The Sports Bank Founder Paul M. Banks: go here
Fun Fact: Bristol City haven’t beaten West Ham since 1978.
Moyes certainly has some selection issues to deal with. The Irons have both injuries and players away at AFCON to deal with. The Scotsman will, to quote Dave Matthews Band “make the best of what’s around” and favor the players currently in good form. The individual footballers who have been consistently performing well in training sessions and recent matches will get the nod.
Overall, the Hammers have been effective from set-pieces this season, and that makes sense given how they signed James Ward-Prowse, the set piece master, in the summer.
In selecting his team, Moyes could prioritize players with aerial prowess, in order to capitalize on potential scoring opportunities that would arise from corners and free-kicks.
Said Benrahma’s creativity, and Pablo Fornals’ vision should unlock the Bristol City defense and provide support to Ings, who is the only available option at striker right now. Goals will be at a premium, and having a reliable presence between the posts in Lukasz Fabianski, will be huge. His experience and shot-stopping abilities will give the East Londoners an advantage that could ultimately end up making the difference.
West Ham United Starting XI Prediction vs Bristol City (FA Cup Replay)
Lukasz Fabianski; Vladimir Coufal, Kurt Zouma, Maxwell Cornet, Emerson Palmieri; James Ward-Prowse, Edson Alvarez, Tomas Soucek; Pablo Fornals, Said Benrahma, Danny Ings
Paul M. Banks is the owner/manager of The Sports Bank. He’s also the author of “Transatlantic Passage: How the English Premier League Redefined Soccer in America,” and “No, I Can’t Get You Free Tickets: Lessons Learned From a Life in the Sports Media Industry.”
He’s written for numerous publications, including the New York Daily News, Sports Illustrated and the Chicago Tribune. He regularly appears on NTD News and WGN News Now, while writing for the International Baseball Writers Association of America. You can follow the website on Twitter.