West Ham v Barnsley - Reds Can`t Lose in London

Saturday sees the Reds take on Avram Grant`s West Ham at the Boleyn Ground in the 3rd round of the FA Cup.

Saturday serves up a repeat of two years ago - which saw the Hammers, under the guidance of their then manager Gianfranco Zola, ease past a sorry Barnsley by three goals to nil.

There will be a difference this time around. A rejuvenated Reds under the guidance of Mark Robins, a man who knows what he`s doing, rather than a man who now has to check the 'jobs` section of his local newspaper - Simon Davey.

The media were anticipating another cup upset after the Tykes knocked both Liverpool and Chelsea out of the competition on their way to the semi-finals the previous season, but were left disappointed -although definitely not surprised. Why? A certain Kayode Odejayi partnered Maceo Rigters in attack. End of story. End of cup 'run`.

Barnsley pose much more of an attacking threat these days, with the in-form Adam Hammill (should he still be a Red by the weekend) and quality of Garry O`Connor, the former having scored more goals this season than Kayode Odejayi managed in his entire Oakwell career.

Barnsley simply can`t lose this time around. Well, they can in a literal sense, but I`ll explain why they can`t lose.

Should Avram Grant`s men emerge victorious, it will be a case of Premier League beating the Championship - expected. A draw will see a return tie at Oakwell - more gate receipts. A win for Robins and co will be a cup upset and some media attention.

Win, lose or draw, Barnsley have nothing to lose.

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