BBC Sport pundit Mark Lawrenson has delivered his prediction for West Ham United’s FA Cup tie at AFC Wimbledon on Saturday.
Manuel Pellegrini’s side travel to the League One outfit for what looks set to be a frantic tussle at Kingsmeadow. Lawrenson believes it will prove more difficult for the Hammers than some people expect, picking them to win 2-1.
“I am not sure who West Ham boss Manuel Pellegrini will pick but, whoever is in his team, they will have to be ready. This will not be easy, as Liverpool found out when they went to Kingsmeadow in the third round in 2015,” he wrote on the BBC Sport website.
“I know Wimbledon boss Wally Downes a little bit and I think any team that he manages will be scrapping for everything. I am going to go with West Ham to win it, but not without a fight.”
OPINION
This one has the look of a nasty FA Cup tie written all over it. AFC Wimbledon aren’t having the finest of league seasons so they will be bang up for this one and looking to take it to their illustrious visitors. Whether West Ham ease to victory or not will probably depend on Pellegrini’s selection. If he only makes a few alterations and sticks with a pretty strong starting line up then they should beat the third tier side completely. However, if the Chilean makes eight or nine changes then they could struggle with fluidity and get drawn into a dogfight with the hosts. Ultimately the Hammers should have more than enough quality to beat their opponents on Saturday, and so it will be up to the players to perform to their abilities and get the job done. There’s a real cup run to be had here if West Ham want it so here’s hoping they really go for this one.
