IT has been a long time since West Ham had a decent FA Cup run but fans will be hoping a victory at Stockport County will set the stage for a better campaign this term.
Since reaching the quarter-finals five years ago, the Hammers have bowed out in either the third or fourth round each season so they are overdue a bit of success in the Cup.
Two of those exits came to lower-league AFC Wimbledon and Wigan, while Shrewsbury also took West Ham to a replay, so David Moyes' players will know they can't afford to take their eye off the ball.
But it would be an even bigger shock if National League Stockport sent them spinning out here as the Hammers have only lost three of their last 14 matches in all competitions.
And Jim Gannon's men have just one victory from their last four games so they're not in good firm ahead of this glamour cup tie.
How the bookies view it
It's no surprise to see West Ham as 4/11 favourites with 888Sport to win in 90 minutes and 2/13 at Betway to qualify. Even the draw is 24/5 with SBK while Stockport are a best 41/5 with the same firm to win and 5/1 at BetVictor to qualify.
Team news
Moyes (below) has vowed to play a strong side but Arthur Masuaku and Ryan Fredericks will miss out injured and keeper Lukas Fabianski is doubtful.
Stockport have John Rooney and Ashley Palmer back after suspensions and Gannon should be able to field his strongest side.
Players to watch
West Ham's Tomas Soucek is a huge threat from set-pieces and delivered when I flagged him up to score against Manchester United. But the Czech might be rested for this one so I'm switching to Andriy Yarmolenko, who came off the bench in their win at Everton. The winger is a best 8/5 with BetVictor for anytime scorer.
Midfielder Rooney has netted nine times for Stockport this term and is 9/2 to stun the Hammers here.
Anything else catch the eye?
West Ham have been pretty solid at the back this season so it could pay to back them to win to nil at 13/10 with Paddy Power.
Stockport defender Ashley Palmer is 11/2 with William Hill to be carded and that looks decent value given he has collected a yellow and a red in his last two outings.
This FA Cup match between Stockport County and West Ham United will be played on Jan 11, 2021 and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best Stockport County vs West Ham United prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
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