West Brom V West Ham at The Hawthorns : LIVE

14 February 2015 09:55
West Brom V West Ham - view commentary, squad, and statistics of the game live.


Brunt to skipper Baggies

Chris Brunt will again skipper West Brom for Saturday's FA Cup fifth-round tie with West Ham at The Hawthorns with Darren Fletcher cup tied.

Following his deadline day arrival from Manchester United, Fletcher took over the captain's armband from Brunt for Albion's two Barclays Premier League games over the past week.

Striker Victor Anichebe is a doubt with a groin strain, whilst midfielder Callum McManaman may only figure on the bench after picking up a knock in midweek but goalkeeper Boaz Myhill may play after recently recovering from a finger injury and midfielder Youssouf Mulumbu is available after the African Nations Cup.

The Baggies have already lost 2-1 at home to Sam Allardyce's side in the league this season.

But striker Brown Ideye has urged thjem to build on their midweek win over Swansea which took them four points clear of the drop zone.

"We have to look at it like a Premier League game. West Ham came here and you know what happened and they are a good side," said the 26-year-old.

"This result will lift our morale and we just have to keep on playing like we did today."

West Ham will be without striker Andy Carroll, who is set to miss the rest of the season with a knee injury.

But goalkeeper Adrian is available after his red card against Southampton in midweek was overturned by the FA.

During his press conference to preview the game, boss Sam Allardyce was handed a copy of the dossier distributed by Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal on Tuesday.

The Dutchman reacted to Allardyce labelling the Red Devils as 'long-ball United' after van Gaal's side scored a last-gasp equaliser at Upton Park last Sunday.

The four-page pamphlet highlighted statistics which van Gaal used to refute suggestions United have reverted into a direct, long-ball team but Allardyce responded nonchalantly when handed the paperwork - refusing to allow the spat to linger.

"I shall have a look when I get the opportunity," he said.

"I don't think there is any point in me going into again. It is what it is, he has made of it what he has made of it, I said what I saw on the day and it has moved on.

"We have played another game in the Premier League since then and our focus is now on the FA Cup and progressing to the next round."

Source: DSG