Jay Emmanuel-Thomas scored a brace in the third round replay to set-up this tie with West Ham. Credit: sportsmole

A sell-out crowd is expected on Sunday as League One high-flyers Bristol City welcome Premier League opposition to Ashton Gate in the fourth round of the FA Cup.

West Ham travel to the West Country on the back of a strong display in the Premier League this season, currently sitting in seventh position.

Both sides came through tough replays in the third round, beating Doncaster Rovers and Everton respectively.

Steve Cotterill is adamant his side can get a result against a team two divisions above them.

‘Outside of our dressing room, the pressure is off,’ Cotterill told bcfc.co.uk.

‘We have to have a certain amount of belief in ourselves because otherwise we may as well not turn up.

‘We know we have to play to our maximum and potentially they have to have an off-day. We may need a little bit of luck, we know that, but these things can happen in the FA Cup.

‘We won’t be shouting from the rooftops to anyone this week. We’re very grounded and if we can maintain that between now and the end of the season, given the relative success we’ve had so far, that’ll be great.’

 

5 – Goals this season for the Hammers in form striker Andy Carroll.

 

The hammers boss Sam Allardyce looks set to name a full strength side at Ashton Gate, as he is out to avoid any possible slip-up.

‘Bristol City are doing well at the moment in League One,’ the 60-year-old manager said at his pre-match press conference.

‘Several Premier League teams have struggled against lower league opposition this year.

‘It’s all about the attitude of our players. They need to rise to the occasion.

‘I don’t have a problem playing my full-strength team as we’ve got a full week until our next league game.’

Team News

The visitors have injury doubts over James Collins and Diafra Sakho and will be without Cheikhou Kouyate who is away on Africa Cup of Nations duty with Senegal.

Aaron Wilbraham (hip) and Kieran Agard (ankle) remain doubtful for City while James Tavernier is cup-tied. Loanee signings Matt Smith and George Saville could feature though.

Stat attack

Bristol City have lost just one of their nine cup ties so far this season, reaching the southern-area final of the Johnston’s Paint Trophy in the process.

West Ham were knocked out of the League Cup in the second round by League One opponents Sheffield United.

Bristol City have won their last five home games at Ashton Gate.

West Ham haven’t won in their last four matches on the road, a 2-1 victory over West Bromwich Albion in December was their last away win.

Last time these two met: A 1-1 draw back in April 2012 as Cole Skuse netted for the Robins.

By Charlie La Foret