‘I doubt we’ll even beat Doncaster’ – West Ham Super Fans react to FA Cup draw
This is part of a regular series from our panel of West Ham Super Fans. Each week, our Super Fans will deliver their verdicts on the biggest talking points and news stories around the London Stadium.
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West Ham left it late but they just about managed to progress to the fourth round of the FA Cup on Monday without being taken to extra time by Stockport County.
Craig Dawson’s 83rd-minute goal was enough to secure victory for the Irons at Edgeley Park and set up a clash with Doncaster Rovers at the London Stadium later this month in the next round of the competition.
As confirmed on the FA’s website, the fifth round draw has also been made and if West Ham were to beat Doncaster, they would play away to the winners of either Manchester United or Liverpool – the headline act in the fourth round.
It’s a bittersweet draw for West Ham.
Playing at home against League One club Doncaster hands them a perfect chance to progress but that progression would only end up seeing them away to one of the Premier League’s best teams in United or the Reds.
We asked our panel of West Ham Super Fans for their thoughts on the draw and some fans are feeling upbeat about the potential fifth-round fixture.
Talkin’ West Ham (@TalkinWestHam)
Andrew Jacob (@AJacob1511)
W David Row (@wdavidrow)
Mark Smith (@ironworks68)
It’s a good point about the fixture congestion for both Manchester United and Liverpool when the FA Cup fifth round takes place on Wednesday, February 10.
Let’s assume that the Hammers beat Doncaster, the Irons could play at Anfield in between Liverpool’s matches against Manchester City and Leicester, before they then play RB Leipzig in the Champions League and then host a Merseyside derby with Everton.
If Jurgen Klopp’s going to rest players, he could do it in the West Ham game.
As for Man United, they have it a bit easier as a fifth-round tie would happen between clashes against Everton and West Brom before they play Real Socieded in the Europa League the following week.
West Ham, you must admit, are probably better off drawing Liverpool if they beat Doncaster.
But some fans are even worried about playing the League One club based on the nature of their win against National League side Stockport.
Gary (@Gary17426718)
James Houlden (@JamesHoulden98)
Let’s hope that’s not the case.
West Ham have to beat the big teams to win the FA Cup – they cannot draw lower-league opposition all the way to the final at Wembley.
Doncaster have done well this season but are a beatable side.
After that, there’s not much pressure on the Hammers but let’s see what happens. Anything can happen in the Cup.
In other West Ham news, Ogbonna showcased his defensive might versus Stockport.