After pulling off a draw against Arsenal while struck by injuries and suspensions, West Ham are hoping to finish off the Gunners in the FA Cup quarter-final replay at Upton Park.

In Tuesday's other replay, First Division Sheffield United meet Coventry.

It will be the third time West Ham and Arsenal have met in three weeks and their fifth clash of the season. The quarter-final at Highbury ended 1-1.

Stiker John Hartson returns for West Ham after a three-match suspension and is being urged to put his club before family and friends - who include Arsenal defenders Tony Adams and Martin Keown.

Hammers boss Harry Redknapp said: "John is due a performance against them. I don't know what the problem has been in the past.

"Perhaps it is because he knows them so well. John is very aggressive but maybe he is too friendly with Tony Adams and Martin Keown and that is the problem."

Meanwhile Arsenal's Ray Parlour, called up by England for next week's World Cup warm-up in Switzerland, says his family will be cheering throughout the game - for West Ham.

Parlour, brought up supporting the Hammers, said: "All the family have always been West Ham fans and that includes me.

"I still remember my dad Dave taking me to the 1980 Cup Final against Arsenal when I was only about six or seven.

"I wore my claret and blue scarf that day and it was great when Trevor Brooking scored West Ham's winner."

But, worries over a hamstring injury aside, he hopes to help his new side knock out his old favourites.

Sheffield United are down on numbers for their clash with Coventry. Paul Devlin, Ian Rush, Shaun Derry and Jon Cullen are cup-tied while Graham Stuart is suspended. Dean Saunders is also doubtful with an injured hamstring.

Coventry have been boosted by striker Viorel Moldovan's decision to play for them rather than in an international for Romania. He is set to partner Darren Huckerby up-front with England squad member Dion Dublin in defence.
 

Back to top | BBC News Home | BBC Homepage	©