Jeff Stelling predicts result of West Brom FA Cup clash with Bristol City
Jeff Stelling has predicted West Brom’s FA Cup fourth-round clash with Bristol City in what promises to be an intriguing tie between the two Sky Bet Championship clubs this Saturday [28 January].
The Championship goes on ice for a weekend as both teams look to book a place in the FA Cup fifth round. Seven places and eight points separate them in the league standings, the Baggies sitting in 10th spot and their hosts down in 17th position.
Despite the setback against Burnley last time, Corberan will appreciate that only a sublime last-gasp free-kick saw his team miss out on a point at Turf Moor and there’s an expectation that his men can return to winning ways on Saturday.
The two sides met in the Championship on Boxing Day with the Baggies running out comfortable 2-0 winners at Ashton Gate.
And Stelling making his Sky Sports Super 6 Pundit Predictions [26 January], predicts another away win for Corberan’s men by a 2-1 scoreline.
He said: “There aren’t many Premier League sides left in the FA Cup, with nine at the most being able to make it into the last 16, which is at stake in these six ties. It is a brilliant incentive, and one which I think all four of these Premier League clubs will make the most of. I expect comfortable wins for Tottenham and Manchester United.”
Cup run
The Baggies will be desperate for a return to winning ways this weekend boosting the confidence and aura for the crucial run-in in the Championship that lies in wait for Corberan’s team.
The Spaniard has undergone a stark transformation at the Hawthorns since he was appointed in October, going on to win 10 of his 14 games at the helm so far.
And his position and reputation could well be solidified if his team were to embark on an unprecedented cup run which will boost the camaraderie around the whole club with fans left frustrated by the current club ownership.
Certainly, the league holds such tremendous importance right now, but West Brom can’t afford to take an FA Cup journey for granted. It’s a chance at more financial clout for the club as well as potentially providing a confidence boost for their promising promotion chances.
In other West Brom news, Ron Gourlay meets with concerned Baggies fans to discuss Guochuan Lai’s failure to repay the loan.