Aston Villa v West Ham United: FA Cup third spherical – stay | FA Cup

6 min: Maatsen whips a low, inviting cross by way of the West Ham six-yard field from the left touchline. It’s a fantastic supply, however Watkins is nowhere close to it, and in any case the flag pops up for offside.

5 min: Aside from that early West Ham sortie, it’s been all sterile Aston Villa possession. The house aspect discovering their ft. “I believe that neither membership would thoughts dropping this one, or at the very least neither supervisor,” opines Kári Tulinius. “Emery could be pleased to deal with the Massive-Eared Cup, and Potter may do with additional days on the coaching pitch to revamp West Ham’s type. I say revamp, however actually it’s a case of giving the workforce any type, except they have been going for that newfangled ‘unhappy beige’ that’s all the craze, apparently.”

4 min: A phenomenal noise at Villa Park. Wonderful bedlam. A correct cup-tie ambiance, with each units of followers giving it loads. Hey, you do what you do to maintain heat on a cold night time like this.

2 min: Graham Potter applauded that Paqueta effort warmly. What a begin to his West Ham reign that will have been!

1 min: Simply 41 seconds on the clock, actually, and West Ham almost take the lead in spectacular type. The ball’s shuttled proper to left through Wan-Bissaka, Summerville and Paqueta, the latter pearling a diagonal rising shot from 25 yards that misses the top-right nook by an inch or two. Undecided Olsen was getting there.

West Ham get the ball rolling. A reminder that this tie will probably be determined tonight, after additional time and penalty kicks if mandatory. And there’s no VAR!

The groups take to the pitch. We already find out about Villa’s black shirts; West Ham pair these with their fetching white and claret third package. Everybody trying sharp, trying good. An excellent under-the-lights £1.50-a-pint-fuelled ambiance at Villa Park. Anniversary-marking jets of flame blast into the night time sky. Anticipation crackles across the well-known outdated stadium, although that’ll be tempered with the information that Villa’s current file within the FA Cup is nothing wanting disgraceful. Since reaching the ultimate in 2015 – and there’s a match they’d quite overlook – they’ve solely received two FA Cup ties. Two! And people towards lower-league sides in Wycombe and Middlesbrough. Two wins, although.

Villa boss Unai Emery speaks to ITV. “Good night … the historical past of this cup is essential … a means for us for a trophy … seven instances Villa received, a very long time in the past … we’re pleased with these trophies Villa received … we’d like this competitors … an opportunity to get to Europe … West Ham are going to be motivated … for each workforce it will be significant … we wish to be a protagonist on this competitors … we have to join with our followers … our want to win is powerful.”

These golf equipment have solely met within the FA Cup on three earlier events, and anybody who believes in omens will probably be excited that they’re assembly for a fourth. The primary-ever showdown in 1913 noticed Villa win 5-0 within the second spherical, due to targets from Harold Halse (2), Clem Stephenson, Harry Hampton and William Morris; they went on to raise the trophy. The third time they met, West Ham legend Ray Stewart scored the one purpose within the 1980 quarter-finals, and the Hammers ended up elevating the cup at Wembley. The one within the center, a 3-0 victory for Villa courtesy of targets from John Deehan (2) and Dennis Mortimer, didn’t result in any glory in anyway, so in that sense muddies the waters. However two out of three ain’t unhealthy. At the moment’s winner is subsequently permitted to dream, and dream massive. (Superstitious Villa followers may, within the occasion their workforce loses 1-0 like they did in 1980, assume they’re going to win the league subsequent yr and the European Cup in 2027.)

Graham Potter is celebrating his 24-hour anniversary as West Ham United boss, and right here’s the brand new boss speaking to ITV. “West Ham are a improbable soccer membership … nice historical past, custom … ambition … a household really feel … a well-functioning academy … an bold board … it felt actually proper … I really feel like I’ve come again stronger … a greater individual and coach … I’m actually excited … we had a coaching session yesterday … met all people … tried to get my bearings … ready the workforce … a day within the resort at this time as nicely … the response has been sensible … the gamers have taken on little messages … we perceive what we’re attempting to take action onto the sport.”

Aston Villa are celebrating their a hundred and fiftieth anniversary tonight. To mark the event, numerous match-day gadgets have been priced at £1.50, together with lager, pies, sausage rolls, smooth drinks, scarves, beanie hats, caps, the commemorative programme, and the shuttle bus from Birmingham metropolis centre to Villa Park. That’s a stunning contact. The commemorative shirt isn’t priced at £1.50, thoughts, however let’s not count on the moon on a stick. In any case, that’s not stopped the package already promoting out on-line, and you’ll perceive why, as a result of it’s scrumptious: all black, reflecting the membership’s first colors earlier than they transitioned to their storied claret and blue, with retro rampant-lion crest, no sponsors, and no names on the again. Glad birthday, Villa!

Aston Villa make three adjustments to their beginning XI after final weekend’s 2-1 Premier League residence win over Leicester Metropolis. Emiliano Martínez makes means for Robin Olsen in purpose. Morgan Rogers and Ian Maatsen step up, whereas Lucas Digne drops to the bench and captain John McGinn sits this one out injured.

West Ham United additionally make three adjustments, after the unusual 4-1 defeat at Manchester Metropolis that typically promised extra however in the end value Julen Lopetegui his job. Łukasz Fabiański replaces Alphonse Areola in purpose. Konstantinos Mavropanos and Oliver Scarles coming in, with Vladimír Coufal benched and Jean-Clair Todibo out injured. The 19-year-old midfielder Scarles, who has appeared a few instances as a Premier League sub, will make his first begin for West Ham.

The groups

Preamble