Ron Atkinson: FA Cup derby too close to call

The rivals were paired together in last night's draw, with the tie on March 7 or 8.

It guarantees the region a representative in the semi-finals, which will be played at Wembley.

And Big Ron, who managed both club's during a distinguished 28-year career, said: "It is a great draw and a great incentive for both sides.

"It guarantees there will be a West Midlands club in the semi-finals.

"That is the big plus from it and it is great news for the region which could do with a bit of excitement in the area given the respective league fortunes of the sides."

Villa and Albion have both endured difficult campaigns in the Premier League and had a change of manger.

Tony Pulis succeeded Alan Irvine in the Albion dugout last month while Tim Sherwood has this week taken over the reins from Paul Lambert, who was sacked after Villa plunged into the relegation zone.

And Atkinson, who enjoyed two spells at Albion from 1978-81 and 87-88, said the timing of the match could not be better.

"They have both got new managers as well, which adds to the tie," said Atkinson, whose three-year stay at Villa from 1991-1994 was also successful with his team lifting the 1994 League Cup at Wembley.

"I don't think there is a favourite. I think you can't split them.

"I don't think anyone can confidently say who will win. It is too close to call but it is a tie that excites me and one I will be looking out for.

"Suddenly they both find themselves in the quarter-finals with one of them guaranteed to get in to the semi-finals at least."

The exact date of the match is yet to be comfirmed with police and TV requirements still to be determined.

But Albion are set to be backed by a bumper away following with Cup rules allowing away sides a greater number of tickets than they receive in league games.

Leicester took more than 6,000 to Villa Park on Sunday and the Baggies will hope for a similar allocation.