West Ham boss Sam Allardyce has warned his side they must be at their best if they are to see off Everton in Tuesday’s FA Cup third-round replay.
The Hammers entertain Roberto Martinez’s side after the original game last week ended in a 1-1 draw. Allardyce’s men were deservedly in front thanks to James Collins’ header but were pegged back when Romelu Lukaku struck in injury time to earn Everton a second chance at Upton Park.
West Ham are viewed as slight favourites at 2.41 to progress to the fourth round, with Everton on offer at 2.77, while another draw at 90 minutes is available at 3.29.
‘Big Sam’ knows it will be a tough test of his side’s FA Cup credentials after the Blues held Man City to a 1-1 draw in the Premier League on Saturday.
He said: “We have to play as well as we possibly can and make sure we haven’t wasted the effort, desire and time we put in to playing there.
“We were very close to getting through at Everton and it shows how good we were when they go and get a point against the champions.”
Allardyce missed his side’s 1-1 draw at Swansea on Saturday with a chest infection but was well enough to conduct the pre-match press conference on Monday and should be in the dugout for the game.
He was pleased with Andy Carroll’s performance in the draw against the Swans as the striker scored a brilliant goal to put them ahead before Bafetimbi Gomis struck an equaliser at the Liberty Stadium.
The Hammers boss added: “I saw the game from home and it was a fabulous finish from Andy. He’s smashed a number of fantastic goals with his feet.
“Andy has a lot of all-round ability and it’s just a shame it didn’t win us the game.”
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