Back page The FA Cup progresses to the fourth-round next week, with 32 teams looking to progress to the last 16 of the competition. Premier League side West Ham United will host on League One Doncaster Rovers at the London Stadium on Saturday, January 23, in their fourth-round tie.
The Hammers progressed from round three with a routine win over National League side Stockport County last week. David Moyes’ side recorded a comfortable 1-0 away victory over the Hatters, thanks to a late towering header from Craig Dawson.
Doncaster beat Championship side Blackburn Rovers 1-0 in their third-round match, with Taylor Richards netting the winner just before half time with a 20-yard drive into the bottom right corner.
Recent form
West Ham have been impressive in the 2020/21 campaign. The East London side endured a tough start to the season, winning just two of their opening seven Premier League fixtures. But, since this poor start, the Hammers have only lost three of their last 10, which helped them to keep chase with the top-half of the table.
Doncaster sit 38 places below West Ham. Darren Moore has guided his side to fourth place in League One and the Yorkshire team are at least hoping to finish in the play-offs this season.
Rovers have had a steady season so far, only losing eight games in all competitions. Their recent form is particularly impressive, losing just two of their last 10 and winning seven of these fixtures.
Key players
For West Ham, Thomas Soucek and Declan Rice have formed an important partnership in central midfielder. However, Soucek has been particularly impressive, leading West Ham’s goal tally with five.
In more attacking positions, Jarrod Bowen has been a threat on the right wing. He scored four and setup two this season, including an inch perfect cross for Dawson to score the winner against Stockport last week. The return of Michail Antonio will also be a massive boost for Moyes. Antonio played the full 90 minutes against Stockport and will see more game time in the next few weeks as he hopes to add to his three goals for the season.
In Moore’s favoured 4-2-3-1 system, the two central midfielders Ben Whiteman and Madger Gomes have provided both stability and attacking threat for Doncaster this season. Between them, the pair have eight goals and five assists in all competitions. It’s certainly a gamble to hope they can repeat their form in the fixture, but if you fancy a punt yourself take a look at these casinos not on gamstop.
However, young winger Josh Simms has also proven a handful on occasion in the 2020/21 season, laying on six goals for his teammates, while Taylor Richards proved his threat with an outstanding solo goal in the third round against Blackburn.
Favourites to win
West Ham will be the clear favourites to progress to the fifth round. The East London side have racked up some strong results this season and Moyes has found a regular 11 that he can rely upon.
But, the three-time FA Cup winners will need to do a professional job against Doncaster at the London Stadium. Donny was happy to soak up the pressure against Blackburn and took one of their only chances of the game, which they will aim to do against West Ham in the fourth round.
Great article…….. however, a couple of minor points.
It’s Josh Sims (just one m) – and his loan from Southampton finished at the end of December…
Ben Whiteman was sold to Preston North End last week…
Madger Gomes has been out injured for 4 weeks and is still on the sidelines…
Other than that, well researched….