FA Cup

Saturday’s most important clash saw Manchester United steamroll Arsenal in a largely exciting tie. Bolton Wanderers further edged past Birmingham in another thrilling contest. So what’s in store for Sunday? A mouth watering clash between relegation strugglers West Ham and Stoke at the Britannia Stadium and further Manchester City entertaining championship side Reading to the City Of Manchester Stadium.

Also Read: FA Cup: Man United Guns Down Arsenal

Manchester City would be keen to put in some positive results and set up a date at Wembley after a rather disappointing 0-2 loss to Dynamo Kiev.  Manchester City have not reached the semis of FA Cup for the last 30 years and would be a historic occasion if they achieve so. Ask Roberto Mancini and he does not have happy memories of Wembley as a player but would straightaway love to erase that and gift the club its first silverware for more than 35 years. A clash with Kiev at Manchester would also be playing on their minds but right now they understand the importance of tonight’s clash. Reading on the other hand have been the only non-premiership club left in the FA Cup having ousted Everton in the last round and would no doubt be keen to continue their impressive cup performance.

Team News: Balotelli looks set to be out with Tevez and Nigel De Jong certain to be back into the squad. From Reading’s perspective, their inspirational captain Matt Mills looks certain to be left out of the squad.

Elsewhere at the Britannia stadium, Stoke City entertains a resurgent West Ham who have impressed many by their late performances. A recent 3-0 drubbing of Stoke at Upton Park, West Ham would not find themselves not short on confidence going into the match. A good FA Cup run is an essential ingredient for league success, as felt by Avram Grant. However Stoke are a different proposition at home and would be desperate for revenge against the Hammers. Tony Pulis has urged the Stoke City fans to become the 12^th player and urge on the team in a similar way he received at Upton Park from the Hammers faithful.

On paper Manchester City looks comfortable winners whereas recent performances make West Ham the favourites. However home advantage is a big issue to count upon.

Tags: Britannia Stadium, FA Cup, Football, Manchester City, Manchester Stadium, Reading, Stoke, West Ham