Real Football Man All of the Football, All of the time
Bristol City goalkeeper Frank Fielding has not recovered from a rib injury so 19-year-old Max O’Leary is set to make his full debut.
On-loan keeper Richard O’Donnell is not eligible but Derrick Williams (cramp) and fellow defender Nathan Baker (black eye) are both in contention.
West Brom are without midfielder James Morrison, who faces eight weeks out with a hamstring injury.
Skipper Darren Fletcher is also a major doubt with a knee problem.
Editor’s Note: Bristol City thought they were in the 4th Round of the F.A. Cup a couple of Saturday’s ago but for a James Morrison 95th Minute equaliser. This means we go to Ashton Gate tonight to settle the tie but unfortunately for Albion James Morrison doesn’t travel with them due to a long term hamstring injury.
Home side Bristol City sacked Manager Steve Cotterill last week and the immediate effect was a late late winner at home to Championship leaders Middlesbrough on Saturday. John Pemberton will be looking for his second win in the space of a week and a Cup Giantkilling to go with it.
They play host to a West Brom side who were comfortably beaten on Saturday away at Southampton and currently find themselves 13th in the Premier League. In all competitions they haven’t won since the start of the month when they beat 10 men Stoke 2-1 at The Hawthorns.
How serious will Tony Pulis take the F.A. Cup will he feel that the extra games will be a distraction in terms of making sure they stay up or will he feel his side are safe enough already and he can afford to give the Cup a proper crack.
West Brom will still be the favourites to progress to the 4th Round tonight and I see no reason why this one will go against the form book. Will this be one of Saido Berahino’s last performances before he leaves the club, maybe a winning goal would be the perfect parting gift. An away win for me.
