Hargreaves backs Hammers

Prior to West Ham United's fifth round FA Cup tie with West Bromwich Albion this Saturday, former

Bayern Munich and England midfielder Owen Hargreaves dropped by Chadwell Heath to interview the in-form Aaron Cresswell.

The two-time Champions League winner and current BT Sport pundit also gave us his thoughts on Saturday's match, which is live on BT Sport 1 from 12pm.

Owen, welcome to West Ham United, looking ahead to Saturday's game away at West Bromwich Albion in the fifth round tie of the FA Cup, what is your assessment of the match?

OH: "I think it's an interesting game. West Ham have changed their style a little bit. They've brought in some very athletic players, especially Diafra Sakho and Cheikhou Kouyate. Also with Enner Valencia they have real athleticism and pace up front.

"West Ham have also brought in Aaron Cresswell who is the only player to have played every minute for the Hammers this season. The manager said they want to play a more attacking style and I think they've been able to do that.

"They are a very good side, Alex Song at the heart of midfield has been a great addition. I think they've strengthened and it will be interesting to see how they line up against a Tony Pulis side who defensively are very, very sound."

Recently, West Ham haven't lost many games, but also haven't won many either. Who are you expecting to prevail on Saturday?

OH: "It will be a close call, neither team will want to lose. At first it will be quite cagey, but West Ham have the players who can change games, so I would probably lean toward West Ham. You think the team at home has a slight advantage, under Pulis they are going to drop off, they are going to be very organised so it will be up to West Ham to break them down."

There have been a few shock results in the FA Cup this season and the magic seems to be returning. Do you agree?

OH: "That whole weekend when Manchester United drew with Cambridge and Middlesbrough beat Manchester City was magical. It was special for everybody. If you think about any other professional sport or league, it's very rare that third or fourth division teams can beat top level clubs.

"Bradford City beating Chelsea, who will be champions this season, is exceptional. Fans love an underdog story and we've had a few of them this season."

You're busy doing television work for BT Sport these days, are you enjoying being on the other side of football?

OH: "I mean, I would have loved to be able to play for longer, but I got an injury that changed my career. By the time I realised that, it was a little bit too late, I kept trying to come back fit but it didn't happen.

"It was quite humbling, going from winning Champions Leagues and playing for England to all of a sudden the priorities changing. No one ever says 'you'll never play again' so the contrast was very humbling, you've got to enjoy it while it lasts.

"It's a real privilege to play football. It's interesting working at BT Sport, you see the game in a different way. On Wednesday we were covering the Chelsea v Everton game, we were there three hours before kick-off preparing. As a footballer you don't see all the work that goes on behind the scenes.

"There's a lot of people who make a living out of the game, not just the players. It's great to see it from the other side, obviously I'd love to still be playing."

As a former England player, do you see any of the English players at West Ham having a chance at being recognised by their country?

OH: "There are a lot of young players emerging. Harry Kane and Danny Ings for example, Jordon Ibe recently too. It's good to see Stewart Downing doing well, I think he needed to be in the right environment and he certainly is now.

"Aaron Cresswell is certainly one for the future, he's a young talented player. The first time I watched him play this season I thought he was a good player and he's continued to do well. The most important thing is doing well at club level. If you don't do well, then you won't have a chance."

Coming from a Canadian background, West Ham have just signed Doneil Henry from Toronto FC, is this a sign that the standard of football over there is improving?

OH: "I think some of the teams I played with and against from about 14 or 15 years old could have competed with anyone in Europe.

"I think we were missing that development phase, everyone in Canada is sort of looking for the next big thing. I didn't cost anything when I went to Bayern Munich, they got me for little more than a ham sandwich.

"There are a lot of athletes in Canada, I think they just need a bit more coaching, hopefully Doneil can come in and do well. A lot of players try hard and he's certainly one of them."