West Brom: Chris Sutton predicts result of FA Cup clash v Aldershot Town at The Hawthorns for BBC Sport
Chris Sutton has shared his predictions as West Brom play host to Aldershot Town in the FA Cup third round on Sunday afternoon (7 January).
The Baggies will be looking to return to winning ways when they host the National League outfit at The Hawthorns in the FA Cup fresh off their disappointing 1-0 defeat to Swansea City on New Year’s Day.
Aldershot knocked out League Two leaders Stockport County in the last round of the competition and will seeking another huge surprise when they take on Carlos Corberan’s men but Sutton, sharing his predictions for BBC Sport (3 January) believes West Brom’s home form means they will be too strong for the minnows.
He wrote: “Aldershot sprang the big surprise of round two when they knocked out League Two leaders Stockport but West Brom have only lost once at the Hawthorns since the start of September, and that was against Championship leaders Leicester.
“Prediction: 2-0.”
FA Cup boost?
The Baggies will be disappointed by the manner of their defeat to Swansea City last time out with Corberan’s men barely posing a threat to the Welsh team.
Whether this FA Cup tie comes at the right time for them is another matter entirely because Corberan will have been reeling and wanting his team to put it right with another Championship game.
However, there’s no getting away from one of the country’s most rich and prestigious competition, especially in early January and fans will be heavily expectant of an almighty bounce back against National League opposition.
No disrespect to Aldershot who have done brilliantly to set up this tie after their League Two but West Brom should be beating them easily and it may be a chance for Corberan to bring in a few of his exciting youth products for the game.
The Baggies still remain in a frustrating injury crisis right now so it won’t be a surprise to see the Spaniard rest a few of his stars for the game but that should not take away from the huge expectation on their shoulders for this one.
A win and a good and consummate performance are needed to boost confidence again.
In other West Brom news, two senior players could be set for an exit from The Hawthorns in January, one other youth product attracting plenty of interest already.