The FA Cup is back this week, and with it will come the famous phrase that is always muttered during the return of the world’s oldest domestic cup competition, ‘the magic of the FA Cup’. Cliche though it may be, West Bromwich Albion need to channel that after an abysmal weekend.
The Baggies were beaten by one of the Championship’s form sides on Saturday, as Wigan Athletic turned up at The Hawthorns and won 1-0 to make it three wins on the bounce and continue the magnificent run that now has them as high as 19th and three points clear of the drop zone.
Enough about the Latics, though, as the performance from Slaven Bilic’s side simply wasn’t good enough, especially on a weekend where Leeds United closed the gap between 1st and 2nd to just a point whilst Fulham and Nottingham Forest also did all they could to put the pressure on by winning.
The Championship is possibly the most bonkers league in the world, and the slightest slip-up can cost a team promotion, just ask Marcelo Bielsa, however, West Brom now have a chance to get back on track as before they face Swansea on Saturday, they host Newcastle tonight in the FA Cup 5th round.
It won’t be an easy clash whatsoever against the mid-table Premier League side, but winning this one will really galvanise the Baggies. It will put Bilic and co just one more win away from a trip to Wembley, and considering that Newcastle have failed to score in their previous three Premier League games, this is a great chance for the West Midlands side to get back on track.
Should West Brom make the FA Cup a priority?
Yes, a Cup run is always good
No, we have to focus on promotion
A win later today would give the entire club a boost, refocusing them and getting them ready for the fight as the rest of the Championship season and FA Cup fixtures will come at them thick and fast. Obviously, beating Steve Bruce’s Magpies will be easier said than done, but they’ve got home advantage and a win at The Hawthorns will have the whole club bouncing again.