2021-22 FA Cup: Fourth Round – Kidderminster vs West Ham

Kidderminster Harriers look to cause a giant killing as West Ham visit Aggborough Stadium in the Fourth Round of 2021-22 FA Cup. 

Russell Penn’s Harriers are looking to reach the Fifth Round for the first time since 1993-94 season, whereas West Ham are looking to qualify for the Last 16 for the second consecutive season.

 

Team News

Kidderminster have no fresh injury concerns to report after their midweek home win over Leamington in National League North, although Penn is expected to name a strong starting eleven in this match.

West Ham could welcome Said Benrahma back after he returned early from international duty following Algeria’s shock exit from the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations at the Group Stage.

Lukasz Fabianski (illness) could also return but Mark Noble (knee) is unlikely to be risked whilst Angelo Ogbonna (knee) remains ruled out indefinitely.

 

Stat Attack

• Kidderminster lost their only previous FA Cup meeting against West Ham 1-0 in Fifth Round of 1993-94 FA Cup.
• West Ham have won each of their last two FA Cup ties against Non League opposition, defeating Stockport 1-0 in 2020-21 and Emley 2-1 in 1997-98 respectively.
• Amari Morgan-Smith has scored three of Kidderminster’s six FA Cup goals this season.
• West Ham have lost three of their last six away FA Cup matches (W2, D1, L3).
• Kidderminster has conceded just once in this season’s FA Cup since entering in the Fourth Qualifying Round stage.

 

Prediction

As underdogs in this clash despite having home advantage, Kidderminster will certainly relish this clash because they can just go for it in attack, yet the longer they can keep it tight defensively and goalless the better their chances of a cupset could be if can frustrate West Ham.

West Ham meanwhile will be eager to produce a reaction to their defeat at Manchester United last time out where they played well, yet just lacked the finishing touch which surely can’t happen here if they play like they did at Old Trafford but better given their superior quality.

Kidderminster’s home crowd however will make Aggborough a difficult place for the Hammers but I fancy an away win here, should West Ham turn up and play their game rather than the occasion.

Prediction: Kidderminster 0-2 West Ham

Result: Kidderminster 1-2 (AET) West Ham