WEST HAM take a much-needed break from Premier League action this weekend as they prepare to face Barnsley at Upton Park in the third round of the FA Cup.

The Hammers now sit bottom of the table after a 5-0 thumping at Newcastle in midweek, and manager Avram Grant will be grateful for the relative respite on Saturday.

The Tykes do not represent the toughest of opponents for West Ham, as they sit in the middle of the Championship, although with Grant likely to give several younger players a chance to shine, it could be a golden opportunity to spring an surprise.