Preview: West Ham United vs. Manchester United -- FA Cup Round 3

Seriously guys, this is a game I REALLY want us to win, and I know we can do it..

Manchester United will be in east London on Saturday evening for a FA Cup Round 3 tie against West Ham United. These two side have met once already this season in late November during a Premier League clash at Old Trafford when Robin van Persie scored just 33 seconds after the match's beginning. After that electric start, highly paid footballers ran around the 'Theatre of Dreams' for 90+ minutes but nothing worth noting happened. 1-0 it finished to the Red Devils. Surely, tomorrow night, the famed magic of the FA Cup can top that spectacle. United have not won the FA Cup since their 2004 defeat of Millwall (you're welcome West Ham).

MANCHESTER UNITED

Form Guide: United enter the weekend top of the league table with 52 points from 21 matches and perhaps most importantly, with a seven-point advantage over nearest title-contending rival Manchester City. They've also gone unbeaten in their past nine league matches -- this includes eight victories on English soil and a draw in Wales to Swansea City.

Team News: Anderson, Nani, and Wayne Rooney are all unavailable.

WEST HAM UNITED

Form Guide: West Ham currently sit 11th in the league table with 26 points from 20 matches. Big Sam's side most recent match occurred when they emerged victorious versus Norwich City on New Year's Day. Prior to that though, they suffered defeat thrice from four matches. Overall, it's been a solid campaign for the Hammers but their overall form has dipped as of late.

Team News: George McCartney, Mohamed Diame, and Andy Carroll are expected to miss out due to injury.

PROJECTING LINEUPS

United: There will be rotation after the recent crowded festive fixture list as the likes of Michael Carrick, Patrice Evra, Jonny Evans, and David de Gea started every match during that time. Each of those three outfield players will likely be rested as might the goalkeeper. If the latter is rested, expect Anders Lindegaard to deputise in goal. The back four is likely to consist of Phil Jones, Chris Smalling, Nemanja Vidic, and Alexander Buttner.

In midfield, Tom Cleverley and Shinji Kagawa have already been tipped to start and either Paul Scholes or Darren Fletcher is likely to join them in the center of the park. In the wide areas, Antonio Valencia and Danny Welbeck are rested so each could get roles there. Up front, if Robin van Persie is rested, then the in-form Javier Hernandez could play ahead of Kagawa. A midfield diamond is also possible as well.

West Ham: After Saturday's match, Sam Allardyce's side don't play again until the following weekend. However, because his squad is obviously not as big as United's, it's uncertain how many players he will rest for this FA Cup tie. Big Sam, though, in his pre-match press conference, has hinted that he'll field a strong side.

In goal, the No.1 is Jussi Jaaskelainen and in front of him in central-defense, the first-choice pairing is Winston Reid and James Collins. Either James Tomkins or Guy Demel can be expected at right-back while Joey O'Brien is the clear first-choice left-back.

In central-midfield, Mark Noble is a clear first-choice player and he's likely to be partnered by either Gary O'Neil or Jack Collison. Ahead of the deep central duo is likely to be captain Kevin Nolan but the newly signed Joe Cole is possible. The latter is also in contention for one of the two wide spots, as are Matthew Jarvis, Matthew Taylor, and Ricardo Vaz Te. Up front, Carlton Cole is anticipated.

TACTICS

Going in-depth with tactics is somewhat pointless because it's uncertain how weakened each side will be when considering possible squad rotation for this FA Cup tie. Ferguson, in particular, is likely to choose his starting XI based on who needs a rest and who needs a game rather than filling players in to fit a particular shape. Nevertheless, I'll simply repeat two of the tactical keys from the preview we provided prior to November's league match. Keep in mind, though, Carroll and Diame are out but the basic principles for West Ham are likely to remain the same on Saturday at Upton Park.

Sir Alex Ferguson on the FA Cup clash: “It’s a tough game. I don’t think we’ll make too many changes. We’ll more or less play a strong team… We’ve got plenty of players we can freshen up with.”

Wayne Rooney has been ruled out for at least another week. While Nani is back in training (2 months after picking up a 10 day injury), the game will come too soon for him. Anderson remains out. Phil Jones is fit and available for selection. Darren Fletcher could feature (“heavy” pitch permitting). After playing all of the festive period fixtures, Michael Carrick and Patrice Evra will be rested. Robin van Persie could be due an afternoon off, too. Shinji Kagawa is likely to start, continuing his return to fitness after injury, as will Tom Cleverley, who Sir Alex describes as “fresh” and showing “great appetite”.

Referee: Martin Atkinson. Has officiated 25 matches (in all competitions) this season, brandishing 99 yellow cards and 1 red, as well as awarding 5 penalties. Refereed United once this season – the 3-2 win at the Etihad in December.