Man City v West Ham preview

Premier League sides do battle in third round replay

By Lewis Rutledge   Last updated: 16th January 2008

sven eriksson

Eriksson: Could make changes

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A trip to Sheffield United awaits the winners of Wednesday's FA Cup third round replay between Manchester City and West Ham.

City held The Hammers to a goalless draw at Upton Park earlier this month and will feel confident of finishing the job at Eastlands, even though their home form of late has tailed off.

Sven Goran Eriksson's side lost 2-0 to Tottenham in the Carling Cup to end their 100 per cent winning record at home, and have since drawn with Blackburn and Liverpool in the Premier League.

City's three games so far in 2008 have all been away and Eriksson may decide to freshen up his team following the 1-0 defeat to Everton at the weekend.

Rolando Bianchi, Stephen Ireland and Gelson Fernandes all came on as substitutes at Goodison Park and will be hoping for starting berths.

Michael Johnson (abdominal strain) and Emile Mpenza (hamstring) are both ruled out through injury.

Valeri Bojinov remains sidelined with a knee injury but is set to resume training before the end of the month.

Neill back in contention

West Ham have been inconsistent in recent weeks but returned to winning ways on Saturday with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Fulham.

Alan Curbishley's injury worries are beginning to ease and he should be able to welcome back captain Lucas Neill following a hamstring problem.

Julien Faubert made a brief debut late on against Fulham and could again make the squad as he continues his comeback from a ruptured Achilles.

Lee Bowyer and Luis Boa Morte will both be pushing for places in the side after substitute appearances on Saturday while James Collins is pressing for a start in the centre of defence.

However, Scott Parker (knee), Nolberto Solano (groin), Bobby Zamora (knee) and Craig Bellamy (abdominal) are all still out.