West Brom will not look forward to FA Cup showdown v Chesterfield
West Brom will not be looking forward to their upcoming FA Cup third-round tie and must be on their toes to avoid an upset against Chesterfield, according to Spireites chief executive John Croot.
The Baggies were drawn out of the hat alongside the high-flying National League side and will travel to the Technique Stadium early in the new year.
The game will also have an added element of spice, with Chesterfield manager Paul Cook being a popular former player at West Brom’s close rivals Wolves.
Carlos Corberan’s side currently finds themselves in a Championship relegation scrap, but following three consecutive wins – and clean sheets to match – there is a buoyant atmosphere at the West Midlands club.
However, Croot believes The Baggies must be wary of an upset against his promotion-chasing club when they face off in January.
Speaking to Derbyshire Times, he said: “It is a great draw for us really, it is winnable. We are certainly in with a chance and we will give it a good go.
“It is not a game West Brom will look forward to. I don’t think anybody will look forward to coming to the Technique Stadium.
“We are playing well at the moment, confidence is high in the camp and there is nothing to fear. We might as well go out and have a real go at them. We have got good players, even right down to the bench for our level.
“We will have a go against anybody.”
Flying Chesterfield
Corberan and his side must be wary of a cup upset in the new year, with Chesterfield flying in the National League right now.
The Spireites are unbeaten in their last nine games – winning their last four – and are just six points off table-toppers Wrexham, so they are clearly a side that must be treated with due respect.
There is still plenty of football to be played before the third-round clash, but if Croberan’s side can continue their fine recent surge in form, then they will fully expect themselves to progress without alarm.
If Daryl Dike remains fit over the festive period and strikes up a partnership with Brandon Thomas-Asante, then this West Brom side won’t be lacking any goals, that’s for sure.
Although moving safely away from the relegation zone is top of Corberan’s to-do list, a strong FA Cup run wouldn’t do any harm to help get a tired fanbase back on his side following months of disappointment.
In other West Brom news, several academy aces are called up to train with first-team in Spain.