Capital One Cup: West Ham v Manchester City match preview

A look ahead to this week’s League Cup semi-final at Upton Park

Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko celebrates after scoring their 100th goal of the season in the win over Cardiff (GETTY IMAGES)

West Ham will have to produce a stunning performance against Manchester City tonight, if they are to make the final of the Capital One Cup. The Hammers were beaten 6-0 at the Etihad earlier this month in the first leg of the Semi Final and will be aiming to recover some pride in front of their home fans.

West Ham boss, Sam Allardyce, has been under fire in recent weeks having only secured victory in just one of their last eight games. The 6-0 demolition at the hands of City just over a week ago marked a low point for West Ham as only three days before, they were beaten 5-0 by Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup. 

Manchester City have become an unstoppable force in the Premier League this season. Sitting just one point behind leaders Arsenal, City scored their 100 goal of the season on Saturday, the fastest the landmark had been reached in the Premier League Era.

Despite their recent form, West Ham do have reasons to be optimistic going into the match as Captain Kevin Nolan and defender James Tomkins will be available after serving four and one-match suspensions respectively. Manchester City are expected to rest many of their usual starters.

KICK-OFF: Tuesday, 7.45pm

PAST THREE MEETINGS:

Man City 6 (Negredo (3), Toure, Dzeko (2)) West Ham 0, Capital One League Cup, January 2014

West Ham 1 (Vaz Te) Man City 3 (Aguero (2), Silva), Premier League, October 2013

Man City 2 (Aguero, Toure) West Ham 1 (Carroll), Premier League, April 2013

STATS

Edin Dzeko has scored six goals in four Capital One Cup appearances this season, including four in his last two.

West Ham have lost five of their last six League Cup semi-final ties, not making the final since 1980/81.

Manuel Pellegrini's side managed 32 attempts on goal in the first-leg of this tie (11 on target), while West Ham managed just three (one on target).

The Hammers have found the net in 34 of their last 35 League Cup games at Upton Park.

ODDS:

West Ham to win: 6.5

Man City to win: 1.4

Draw: 4.75

TV: Live on Sky Sports 1 at 7.45pm, highlights on BBC 1 at 11.15pm on Wednesday.