Away from the Premier League for one short weekend, to turn our attention over to the FA Cup. West Ham find themselves travelled to the Hawthornes for a tricky game against relegation candidates West Brom for a place in the quarter final. We spoke with Alex Newton, Editor of The Baggies’ Way ahead of the Fifth Round tie.
What was your initial reaction to seeing yourselves drawn against West Ham in the FA Cup?
We’d just come off a fourth round away win against our rivals Birmingham so we felt like we could take on the world. We was happy that it was a home draw but we knew it could have been a lot easier as West Ham have been doing very well so far this season, although since the draw both teams look quite even!
Do you believe a Cup run is beneficial for you, or is a hindrance for a club facing a relegation scrap?
The main focus for us is staying in the league but a lot of the fans are starting to dream especially since it’s been almost half a century since our last major trophy (FA Cup in 1968). We’d love a trophy here at the Albion but the fans would put league safety first.
West Ham beat the Baggies 2-1 at the Hawthornes earlier in the season, why do you think you’re better equipped now to get a better result?
Tony Pulis. Since he’s joined we’ve lost just one game out of 7, we’re conceding less and looking better going forward. Away from Pulis we now have McManaman who adds pace on the wing, a goal scoring strike force and a solid defence.
How has Tony Pulis managed to turn things around so quickly at West Brom?
I think it’s a trust factor, Irvine had lost the dressing room and the players didn’t want to play for him which is always a recipe for disaster. Pulis is a great senior figure who the players can look up to and you can see that in the like of Berahino who has been changed under Pulis with more maturity. He has such a good record and the players respect and trust his judgement.
We nearly signed Darren Fletcher last month before he ended up joining West Brom; how has his introduction to the side been?
We’re glad you missed out! He’s only played 2 games for us so far and he’s come straight in and got the captains armband which speaks volumes as Brunt had been captain for a few years now. Against Burnley last Sunday he was crucial in our comeback and against Swansea in the week his battling midfield display saw get a great 2-0 win. It’s a shame he’s cup-tied for the game, he’ll be a big loss.
Who should West Ham be most wary of during Saturday’s game?
‘Bobby’ Brown Ideye! He was very hit and miss at the start of the season but 2 goals in his last 2 games has rejuvenated him and he’s like a new man! He play with great confidence against Swansea and looks hungry to score he’s very good at finding space and exploiting it with his speed.
What do you think is the key to the match?
How West Brom start. We seem to have a habit of starting games slow and lethargic and it’s costing us, something we can’t afford to do the weekend. We need to take the game to you rather than sit back; hopefully we’ll have an entertaining match to watch!
Finally, a score prediction?
My heart says a 2-1 Albion win with Ideye scoring both, but my head sees this ending a draw and going to a replay. 1-1.
