Official Boothen Roar Match Preview: Stoke v West Ham(FA Cup)

Last updated : 11 March 2011 By Dan Buxton

Stoke sit 12th in the Premier League and will be attempting to get themselves to an FA Cup semi final for the first time since 1972. West Ham will be hoping to get to Wembley for the first time since the epic final with Liverpool that they lost on penalties, after a 3-3 draw.

Stoke have a good home record this season and are unbeaten at the Brit in six matches in 2011. West Ham have won two away league games this season but have also lost six times.

In the 42 matches between these sides at Stoke, the Potters have won 22, the visitors 12 and eight have been drawn. Last time the pair clashed at the Britannia Stadium, in this seasons Premier League, the game ended in a 1-1 draw. Overall West Ham have won 33 times to the Potters 29 victories.

The referee is Mike Jones. This season he took charge of the Potters as they won away at Newcastle(2-1) and Blackburn(2-0) aswell as the away draw at Wigan(2-2). He has refereed West Ham once this season, in their 1-0 defeat against Arsenal. Jones was the ref who sent off Ricardo Fuller for slapping Andy Griffin during a West Ham v Stoke game two years ago.

The Met Office report that there will be light rain, temperatures of 6 degrees celsius, very good visibility and a 9mph wind.

Prediction: The Potters come out and make amends for last weeks East London mauling, running out 3-1 winners thanks to strikes from Kenwyne Jones, Jon Walters and Ryan Shawcross, with Demba Ba grabbing a consolation for the Hammers.