Petrov has half an eye on Albion
Wednesday 24th February 2010, 11:20AM GMT.
Skipper Stiliyan Petrov admits Villa are desperate to keep their half of the bargain as the prospect of a mouthwatering FA Cup quarter-final with Albion looms.
The claret and blues host Crystal Palace in tonight’s fifth-round replay at Villa Park at the same time as the Baggies face Reading at the Hawthorns.
Petrov revealed the Villa dressing room are all rooting for the chance to travel to their derby rivals for a showdown offering the reward of a Wembley semi-final place - but concedes first they must focus on seeing off the Eagles, who were three minutes from going through until Petrov’s late equaliser earned a 2-2 draw.
He said: “Villa Park is buzzing with cup fever as we look forward to a fifth round FA Cup replay against Crystal Palace at Villa Park and the Carling Cup final at Wembley. All the lads are eagerly looking forward to those big games, no question about that.
“It was a good feeling to score my first goal of the season at Palace – particularly as it means we are still in the FA Cup.
“With a few minutes to go, it didn’t look as if we would have any interest in the sixth round draw but if we can get through this week in the replay – and it will be very tough – we can look forward to a quarter-final away to West Bromwich Albion or Reading.
“The game we would like, of course, is Albion at the Hawthorns but you can never take anything for granted.
“A derby with the prize of a Wembley semi-final place would be great but first we have to get past Palace and Albion have to win their replay.
“With Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool all out, there’s no doubt that this is anyone’s cup, although we shouldn’t forget every other team still in the competition feels exactly the same.”
UK Sport
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