West Ham United will face Manchester City in the third round of the FA Cup competition on January 5th. It will be the first meeting between the teams since the EPL season opening match on August 11th.

It’s a significant development for West Ham supporters, since August 11th ended in 0-2 defeat for their side. The crowd of nearly 35,000 dwindled rapidly as frustrated West Ham fans exited Upton Park in droves before the final whistle. The FA Cup pairing between the Hammers and City will also take place at Upton–a chance for West Ham to capitalize on the home field advantage that eluded them in August.

Manchester City are currently 5th on the EPL ladder. West Ham hold the 10th spot. Yet it has often been demonstrated that positioning on ladders or even between leagues can hold little importance in the FA Cup, where minuscule sides face giants with surprising regularity. Both teams presently possess 19 goals scored in the EPL, and West Ham has only conceded 3 more than City.

Manchester City have had a solid season thus far; Sven Goran Eriksson’s army of painstakingly-chosen players has gelled. West Ham United have suffered no end of injuries and Alan Curbishley’s side has had little time to collect their wits. Still, the tides may turn as West Ham gather steam where City struggle to maintain their rank, having been edged out of the top four by juggernauts Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester United.

Kasper Schmeichel, son of Manchester United legend Peter Schmeichel, was stalwart in goal for City on August 11th. He is now on loan to Cardiff City, leaving one element that stood between West Ham and victory out of consideration. Hammers’ star striker Dean Ashton returned on August 11th from injuries that frustrated both team and fans. Although the injury curse struck him again Dean is now a regular, if sparingly used, figure on the West Ham side. He may deliver some troublesome balls into (likely keeper) Andreas Isaksson’s area. On the opposite end of the pitch, Rob Green’s becoming a West Ham hero for his bravery, quick thinking, and composure. If the current West Ham defense holds strong, City may have to fight hard to make way in West Ham’s territory.

Across 9 West Ham/Manchester City matches dating back to 2000, West Ham’s record of 3 wins to City’s 5 (plus one draw) could tell the tale. But of those 3 wins, 2 were at Upton Park. If the Boleyn Ground’s magic holds true, the Hammers could emerge victorious. For West Ham fans, this will be one to watch.

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