West Ham United boss Sam Allardyce is expecting to pick a strong team for tonight's FA Cup tie at Everton.

The Hammers have not played since New Year's Day and this has enabled them to pick a stronger side for the third round tie.

Allardyce told the club website: "It's not possible to play the best team each game because of the fatigue levels. But we've had four or five days rest which has helped so we can play a strong team.

"It's quite strange playing on Tuesday night but it has given us a little bit of breathing space.

"We won't have a few players available due to the African Cup of Nations starting soon and Diafra Sakho has got a back injury which we are assessing."

The Irons boss added:  "It's a great tournament with the opportunity of playing at Wembley at the end. I remember watching it from the age of about eight or nine and the chances of an underdog beating a big boy hasn't lost its glamour.

"There hasn't been so many shocks in this round but the glamour is still there."