Possibly out of reverence for his former club or due to his character, which doesn’t embrace a nonchalant approach to a serious game, Liam Manning seemed uneasy when confronted with the notion of the FA Cup match being a “free hit” for Bristol City earlier this week.

Given West Ham’s current position at sixth in the Premier League and playing at home, there isn’t an overwhelming expectation for the Robins to secure a favorable result. In the grand scheme of their season, this particular match may not drastically influence their overall performance. However, Manning’s reluctance to categorize the match as such underlines his approach as a head coach. Some supporters may find this dedication to “the plan” at odds with their desire to see the team take a more unbridled offensive approach.

Nonetheless, Manning’s ultimate decision may still align with an aggressive strategy, considering the team’s well-rested state following the Millwall game. Meanwhile, West Ham’s recent fixture, coupled with an upcoming substantial break, might lead David Moyes to consider resting key players rather than fielding them for this match.

There’s a sense that Manning often prefers to remain reticent about various aspects of preparation and game strategy, including injuries, formations, and player selection. This isn’t necessarily a ploy, but rather an aspect of his personality.

Furthermore, the presence of nearly 9,000 passionate City supporters at the London Stadium cannot be discounted. While Manning may not always communicate in the language of a traditional football enthusiast, he likely feels a responsibility to give these dedicated fans something substantial to cheer about.

Turning to the team’s formation, the defensive unit has remained consistent for the past few weeks, with George Tanner, Zak Vyner, Rob Dickie, and Cam Pring comprising the backline, supported by goalkeeper Max O’Leary. This stability has allowed the team to maintain defensive consistency, despite the occasional setback such as the late goal conceded against Millwall. However, Manning acknowledged the mental strain placed on the defensive unit due to the lack of respite, possibly contributing to moments like Shaun Hutchinson’s injury-time winner.

With six days of respite, the defensive unit has had the opportunity to regroup. This recovery time is essential, as everyone out of possession needs to operate at their maximum capacity to achieve a favorable outcome in this cup tie. Notably, even if Manning desired to modify the personnel at the back, his options are limited.