Emirates FA Cup Fifth-Round Preview-Brentford

The last time that West Ham United progressed to the quarter-final stage of the FA Cup was in their last season at Upton Park, while they were under the stewardship of Slaven Bilić. They have the chance to get there again, provided they can beat Brentford when the Bees travel to Stratford for an all-Premier League fifth-round tie tonight.

The Hammers have had to come through extra-time in both of their previous ties against lower league sides in this year’s competition so far, but on paper, this will be their toughest test yet although both Queens Park Rangers and Burton Albion proved hard to get past.

If Nuno Espírito Santo can now achieve what he failed to do in his first game as Head-Coach here back on 20 October and get his side through to the next stage of the competition, it will be the first time the club has been this far since that memorable season a decade ago.

Besides their success in the third-round against Julien Stéphan’s side, the Irons haven’t won a London derby in front of their own fans this season and having already lost to the side now managed by Keith Andrews once already, the ever-loyal fan base will hope that their team don’t suffer a repeat.

West Ham continued their upturn in form five days ago when they won 1-0 at Fulham, whereas Brentford’s league form has hit a bit of a stumbling block since Andrews signed his new long-term contract back on 19 February, as they have only won once and even then, they threw away a three-goal advantage and only were victorious thanks to two disallowed goals for newly-promoted Burnley at Turf Moor nine days ago.

Andrews will also be wary of a knockout meeting with the Irons, as this is also their toughest test to date, having achieved wins away at both Sheffield Wednesday and Macclesfield Town.

If the scores are level after ninety minutes, then an extra thirty will be required. However, if a winner is still not found, then a penalty shoot-out will take place to see who progresses. Supporters should also note that unlike in the previous two rounds, VAR will be in operation for this tie.

The home side will hope to have the win wrapped up in normal time, as they have the considerable task of trying to get a result from Manchester City, as they are next up on the agenda here in Saturday’s late kick-off.

The teams will know who they are likely to face before the action commences, as the draw will be part of the TNT Sports coverage of the match which begins at 6:30pm.

Espírito Santo will have to decide whether to name an experienced starting line-up or give his fringe players another chance, just as he did at The Pirelli Stadium back on 14 February.

Midfielder Freddie Potts is once again available for selection, following his red card against Gary Bowyer’s side in the last round, while Konstantinos Mavropanos and Soungoutou Magassa may regain their places after being dropped to the bench for the match against the Cottagers in midweek. Having said that though, defender Jean-Clair Todibo may get another go, as he played in the entirety of that game, due to missing the three league games after his suspension was over. Max Kilman may get a rare start and join the Frenchman in defence.

Adama Traoré made his debut against the Brewers just under a month ago and he could finally be in line for a full home debut.

For the second time in five days, the Irons are involved in a 7:30pm kick-off and Andrew Madley will take charge of the encounter.