Antonio - There could be a lot of goals

 

  • Michail Antonio wants to fulfil 'boyhood dream' by winning the Emirates FA Cup
  • Winger expected to start Friday's third-round tie with Manchester City at London Stadium
  • No30 scored in West Ham United's unforgettable replay victory over Liverpool last season

Michail Antonio says he would fulfil a 'boyhood dream' if he could help West Ham United win the Emirates FA Cup.

The Hammers start down the Road to Wembley when they host Manchester City at London Stadium on Friday evening in a tie that will be screened live around the world.

And Antonio, who scored in the world's oldest knockout competition in a thrilling win over Liverpool last season, told West Ham TV he cannot wait to get involved in FA Cup action again.

"I would love to win the FA Cup," said the No30, who also netted in the Hammers' Premier League defeat at Manchester City in August and is West Ham's leading goalscorer this season. "It was my boyhood dream. I remember when they used to shut down school so we could watch the final, so I'd love to win it!"

While he would love to add a fourth FA Cup trophy to West Ham's cabinet, Antonio knows beating Pep Guardiola's side will be no easy task. That said, he believes the Hammers can exploit City's recent defensive frailties.

"Manchester City are a quality team with quality players, but right now they are conceding a lot of goals and we are just starting to score goals, so it is one of those games which could be end-to-end stuff and there could be a lot of goals," he forecast.

"We believe in our ability and we believe we can be up there battling with those sorts of boys, so it's now a case of being more consistent and doing it week-in, week-out."