Mark Lawrenson predicts West Ham vs Kidderminster in the FA Cup
Mark Lawrenson expects West Ham to avoid a giant killing against Kidderminster by naming a strong team in the FA Cup fourth round.
The Hammers have lost their last two games but haven’t played for two weeks due to the international break, which has allowed them to re-group and rest.
They now head into the FA Cup clash against non-league Kidderminster as heavy favourites, with the hope that they can avoid a giant killing on the day.
Lawrenson expects they will be able to do just that, predicting a 2-0 win for the London club in his BBC predictions column.
“Harriers have played West Ham in the FA Cup before, when they were top of what is now the National League in 1994, and the Premier League side scraped a 1-0 win in the fifth round.
“This time? Well, I think Hammers boss David Moyes would have picked a strong team for this round anyway, regardless of the opposition or venue, because his side have lost two on the bounce in the league and they need to get a bit of their rhythm back.
“He won’t be taking any chances at Aggborough either, especially because there are no replays in this round and that adds to the jeopardy for the bigger clubs.”
Giant killing?
West Ham are not in great form right now having lost each of their last two, but no matter what team they put out on the day they should be expecting to win this game.
Even with a Premier League game to come in midweek, Moyes is likely to name a relatively strong side just for match rhythm purposes.
Getting off to a quick start will be important for them as they look to quieten down the crowd and ensure as easy a day that they can on the pitch.
A win will not only see them move forward in the competition but it will also help them to build momentum towards their Premier League charge for the top four.
They currently sit in 5th place in the Premier League a point behind Manchester United having played a game more.
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