Bristol City manager Liam Manning seeks to continue his giant-killing run against Premier League opposition in the FA Cup third-round replay with West Ham United at Ashton Gate.
The Robins came from behind to hold the Hammers to a 1-1 draw in their initial encounter, and a home tie with either Nottingham Forest or Blackpool awaits the midweek victors.
Match Preview
Bristol City boss Manning was elated after Tommy Conway’s goal earned his side a deserved replay against his former employers in the English capital.
However, Bristol City remains at risk of falling to their recent FA Cup curse – alternated between fifth and third-round exits since 2017-18, losing at the former stage to Manchester City last year.
Bristol City suffered a 2-0 defeat to Preston North End on Saturday, meaning it is now four games without victory for the Robins across all competitions.
However, the hosts have won four of their last six contests at Ashton Gate, placing them in good stead.
On the other hand, West Ham United finally had their defensive resistance breached in the weeks that preceded the visit of Bristol City.
Nevertheless, the Irons have strung together an unbeaten run of five matches.
Team News
Bristol City is without any new fitness concerns, although Manning recently revealed that Kal Naismith has suffered a setback in his recovery from a hamstring injury.
A similar issue is plaguing Mark Sykes, who also stands to miss Tuesday’s replay.
In contrast, West Ham’s winter injury woes worsened in the 1-1 draw, as Lucas Paqueta and Dinos Mavropanos both left the field in the first half.
The Irons are already without Africa Cup of Nations duo Nayef Aguerd and Mohammed Kudus, as well as Michail Antonio (knee), while right-back Vladimir Coufal was also in the wars against Bristol City but should be fit for the replay.
Possible Lineups
Bristol City possible starting lineup: (4-2-3-1)
O’Leary;
Tanner, Vyner, Dickie, Pring;
James, Williams;
Bell, Knight, Mehmeti;
Conway
West Ham United possible starting lineup: (4-2-3-1)
Fabianski;
Johnson, Ogbonna, Zouma, Emerson;
Alvarez, Soucek;
Benrahma, Ward-Prowse, Fornals;
Ings
Prediction: Bristol City 0-1 West Ham United
Bristol City and West Ham United will fight for a place in the fourth round of the FA Cup. Despite their valiant effort in the capital, the Robins may fall victim to a West Ham defensive masterclass at Ashton Gate, with a predicted scoreline of 1-0 in favor of the Premier League side.