FA Cup Quarter Final Match Preview: Stoke City vs. West Ham
This looks to be another interesting lower table match up. Stoke were dealt a 3-0 defeat by the Hammers at Upton Park on the wee
kend as Avram Grant's men have taken 7 points from their last 9 in the league and they are in much brighter spirits for this match. Tony Pulis's side on the other hand has only taken one point from their last nine in the league.
Neither team is really suffering from many injuries at the moment and Grant finally has his team starting to make a stand to avoid relegation. Stoke will be out for blood as they will not want to suffer a second straight defeat to the same team. This time around they will have home field advantage at the Britannia which is rated as one of the hardest places to play in the league on the road.
Grant is desperate to keep hi
s side up, as his job depends on it, and his teams success in cup matches this season has truly been their strong point. This is the last chance for either team to have a chance at winning something this season. Grant last season at Portsmouth led his team to the FA Cup Final only to be defeated before their relegation. Scott Parker will be sure to push his sides tempo from the midfield as he has done since returning from injury.
Grant has much experience being right where he is, but I believe this team actually has the talent to stay up and possibly win if healthy and on the right form. I believe the Hammers will continue their strong run and take a 1-2 victory away from the Britannia to keep their hopes high of possibly scalping a Trophy from this dismal season for them.
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