West Brom blog: FA Cup is not a distraction
I don’t see the FA Cup as a distraction – rather as a fantastic opportunity to win some silverware and potentially galvanise the players for those 11 crucial league games that remain, writes Baggies blogger Nathan Carr.
Playing well and progressing in the competition should only enhance the team’s morale and confidence.
You’ll remember that our victory over Exeter in the third round sparked a decent little run of form, as we followed it up with three points against Brighton and a draw at Everton.
Therefore, I’d like us take the Southampton match seriously, knowing that a place in the last eight of the most famous club competition in world football is up for grabs.
In the grand scheme of things, we’ve been handed a reasonably favourable home tie, avoiding the likes of Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham and Chelsea .
This is a chance to avenge the painful defeat to the Saints in the league a fortnight ago, too, so there is an added incentive in this one.
Alan Pardew fielded competitive starting elevens against Exeter and Liverpool and I can see him doing the same on Saturday; Ali Gabr could even make his debut after finally receiving his work permit.
Going deep into the FA Cup would also bring joy to the supporters, who have had to endure a rather miserable season with Albion winning just three games in the league.