West Brom welcome National League side Aldershot to the Hawthorns this weekend in the FA Cup. The visitors are the underdogs, but that won’t stop them from attempting to upset the favourites.
West Brom
After a disappointing campaign last year, West Brom are having a quietly solid campaign this time around, and they sit fifth in the Championship. That position is mainly due to their excellent home form, which has seen them win eight of their 13 matches.
The Baggies aren’t the highest scorers in the league, netting just 1.38 per match, but they are extremely hard to breakdown, conceding the second fewest, 24 goals in 26 games. Last time out, West Brom suffered a frustrating 1-0 away loss to Swansea. It was a match where the result could have been much more positive if they weren’t wasteful in attack.
Aldershot
Aldershot have drastically improved this season, as last campaign they finished 18th in the National League. Fast forward to today, and they sit in eighth. The Shots are a side that sees plenty of action at both ends of the field, scoring 45 and conceding 47 in 26 games.
Last time out in the FA Cup, they beat League Two leaders Stockport County 1-0 on the road. However, their most recent match wasn’t as low-scoring, with Aldershot beating Woking 3-2.
Verdict?
This is a game that will be closer than anticipated, and West Brom may have to work hard to find the opener.
Once they do, it should be a routine win for the Baggies, who can then turn their attention back to the Championship.
The final prediction is West Brom 2-0 Aldershot.
