West Ham v Barnsley preview

Can the Tykes repeat their 2008 FA Cup heroics?

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 2nd January 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

West Ham v Barnsley preview

Zola: Hoping to avoid an upset

PREDICTIONS:

Skysports.com prediction: 2-1

SKYBET odds: West Ham 1/2, Draw 3/1, Barnsley 13/2

One to Watch: Carlton Cole

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West Ham will be well aware of Barnsley's FA Cup pedigree when they meet in the third round on Saturday.

The Hammers do have a decent record in the competition themselves, though, and reached the final back in 2006.

They are also past masters at negotiating this stage of the tournament, with a successful progression into the fourth round secured in 20 of their last 25 attempts.

The Upton Park outfit have also begun to rediscover some form of late, with back-to-back victories helping to end a recent slump.

The capital club can also boast a manager in Gianfranco Zola that lifted the trophy twice during his playing days at Chelsea.

Barnsley, though, were last season's surprise package and will be hoping to repeat those heroics 12 months on.

The Tykes disposed of top-flight giants Liverpool and Chelsea in consecutive rounds last term, helping them on their way to a semi-final spot.

They ultimately came up short against Cardiff in the last four, but had already helped to reignite the waning magic of the FA Cup.

Simon Davey's men have endured an inconsistent season in the Championship so far, but only one defeat from their last five fixtures suggests they head into the weekend in decent shape.

Hammers changes

West Ham are expected to ring the changes as they turn their attention to knockout duties.

Zola is likely to take the opportunity to run the rule over those players currently on the fringes of the first-team fold.

That means Diego Tristan could be rewarded with a starting role following his goal-scoring exploits last time out.

Young defender James Tomkins could also feature after returning from his loan spell at Derby.

Lucas Neill and Kieron Dyer are closing in on full fitness, but are unlikely to be ready for Saturday, while Dean Ashton and Danny Gabbidon remain long-term absentees.

Souza return

Dennis Souza is expected to return to Barnsley's starting line-up this weekend.

Souza returned to the bench as an unused substitute in the home draw with Preston following a three-game ban.

But fellow defender Rob Kozluk has been ruled out for a month after fracturing his cheekbone in the same match so Souza is likely to return to central defence alongside Darren Moore, with Stephen Foster switching to full-back.

Tykes manager Simon Davey must also decide whether to recall midfielder Hugo Colace to the side.

The Argentinian started on the bench against Preston after returning home for the birth of his first child, but replaced Kozluk at half-time.

Jamie Cureton is unavailable so Maceo Rigters and Kayode Odejayi will battle it out for a striking berth alongside Jon Macken.

Canadian striker Iain Hume is continuing his recovery from a fractured skull, while winger Martin Devaney is still out with an ankle injury.