West Ham United stands as a formidable favorite against Bristol City in the upcoming FA Cup third-round encounter, and the reasons are abundantly clear. Firstly, it’s a clash between a Premier League giant and a Championship side, establishing a significant disparity in their respective tiers. Moreover, a substantial 17-spot difference exists between the two clubs within the English Football Association pyramid, further underlining the contrasting levels of competition.

Delving into historical encounters, the Hammers have emerged victorious against Bristol City on 17 occasions, compared to the latter’s seven all-time victories. Additionally, the two sides have battled to an impasse in 11 of their previous meetings, contributing to the narrative of West Ham’s dominance in this fixture.

The upcoming match is set to take place at the London Stadium on Sunday, January 7, 2024, with a kick-off scheduled for 2 pm UK time. Notably, Bristol City hasn’t secured a triumph over West Ham since 1978, adding a compelling historical context to the fixture.

In terms of betting odds, the statistics and historical performance have translated into West Ham’s overwhelming favoritism, with bookmakers pricing them at 1/3 while offering Bristol City at around 7/1. The possibility of a draw is also in contention, with the current market rate hovering near 4/1.

Looking ahead to the anticipated lineup, manager David Moyes, who is reportedly in line for a contract extension, will likely consider deploying a formidable squad to maintain their supremacy. The potential starting XI could feature notable names such as Alphonse Areola, Ben Johnson, Angelo Ogbonna, Konstantinos Mavropanos, Emerson Palmieri, James Ward-Prowse, Edson Alvarez, Tomas Soucek, Jarrod Bowen, Said Benrahma, and Danny Ings.

As the stage is set for this exciting clash, West Ham’s commanding position in the encounter is underscored by both historical precedents and the current betting landscape, setting the tone for an action-packed encounter at the London Stadium.