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FA Cup Preview: West Ham vs. Birmingham City

By Jeremiah Carson

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 19: A detailed view of the Emirates FA Cup Trophy prior to The Emirates FA Cup Final between Chelsea and Manchester United at Wembley Stadium on May 19, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 19: A detailed view of the Emirates FA Cup Trophy prior to The Emirates FA Cup Final between Chelsea and Manchester United at Wembley Stadium on May 19, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) /
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Well Hammers the 3rd round of the FA Cup is set and West Ham United have drawn Birmingham City at home. I have confidence that I was not the only one hoping that when the number 18 ball was pulled for Millwall at home that the Hammers ball would be pulled next. But alas, we have Birmingham City at home on January 5th.  This draw is an intriguing one and for more than one reason.

West Ham haven’t faced off against Birmingham City since April of 2012 in the Championship.  That season each team took 2 points off of 2 draws (1-1 and 3-3 respectfully).  Overall, the Hammers have played the Blues 94 times in all competitions with a record of 32 Wins, 22 Draws, and 40 loses mostly played in the old Division’s 1 or 2.  I

In recent years, the Irons have had better luck than the Blues in recent years, hence them not playing each other since 2012 when West Ham was promoted to the EPL. Birmingham are still stuck in England’s second division.

The Gold, Sullivan, Brady Intrigue

I have no doubt that there will be two things in common for both supporters this match.  Number one, they will both be cheering their clubs on the a win.  Second and the most important, all 66,000 fans in attendance with have some hatred or animosity for the owning triad of Gold, Sullivan, and Brady.

The trio of owners left Birmingham City in 2010 after owning a part of them for 16 years.  To no surprise to most West Ham fans, they left the Blues with a sour taste in theirs mouths and you can bet they will have some songs and banter ready for that weekends match.

More from Green Street Hammers - West Ham

Things to Watch For

As I am writing this on the eve of the West Ham v Cardiff match there is a lot of time between now and then, 7 matches to be exact.  Plenty of time for West Ham to climb the table, get players injured, and most importantly get players back and healthy.  The latter of those truths is the most important in my opinion.  According to transfermarkt  the Hammers could expect Manuel Lanzini back just after the new year.  There is no reason to rush him back but if he is ready this could be a good match to get his feet under him again.  Additionally West Ham will be coming off of its easiest string of games to date and should hopefully be in form before this match.

Birmingham City at the moment are sitting 9th in the Championship table and favourable match ups in the up and coming weeks to help propel their form as well.  According to whoscored.com the Blues have shot 12 shots per game with 4 on target.  It will be interesting to see how their top scorers in Jutkiewicz and Adams will face against the likes of Balbuena and Diop.  On the other side, will the Hammers keep the double-headed striker duo upfront and who might it be?  I am sure that at the moment with West Hams pressing abilities and their determination to take it to the defence instead of sit on it will be a match up nightmare for the Blues.

Next. Hammers player grades from Newcastle. dark

There is just over a month until West Ham and Birmingham City will face off in the 3rd round of the FA Cup and I am sure by then a lot of questions will be answered and more match ups and defined roles will take place.  Until then, COME ON YOU IRONS!