Peterborough vs West Brom preview: Saido Berahino offered chance to prove he can deliver
A look ahead to the FA Cup fourth-round replay at the ABAX Stadium.
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Saido Berahino
Having scored only four times this season previous to last month’s FA Cup clash, Berahino will be looking to emulate his two-goal performance at the Hawthorns. The 22-year-old has had a turbulent season thus far after his written transfer request was rejected in the summer by the Baggies and manager Tony Pulis publicly called his player ‘distracted'. As the January window reignited the rumour mill surrounding his future however, and with Pulis confirming he will start, Berahino has the opportunity to prove he can deliver when it matters.
Weird stat…
The cup tie promises to be scrappy with 16 players out across both teams. Injuries plague West Brom, meaning they could potentially only have three fit defenders, with Peterborough facing two of their own suspended in Michael Smith and Ricardo Santos.
Remember when…
The first meeting in this year’s FA Cup 2-2 draw between the two clubs. Berahino coolly slots home early in the first half, before the chaos of the last 15 minutes.
Player to watch…
Marcus Maddison
As Posh approach the game with several injuries, suspended and cup-tied players, manager Graham Westley insists his team must score goals as they are likely to concede. Maddison, currently joint top scorer for the club this season with 7 goals, returns from illness and should thrive in the electric cup atmosphere. If its predecessor is anything to go by, this tie proves to reward aggressive, hungry play and Maddison will need to perform in a team potentially lacking chemistry due to availability issues.
Past three-meetings…
West Brom 2 (Berahino 2) Peterborough (Coulthirst, Taylor)
FA Cup, January 2016.
West Brom 2 (Moore, Bennett) Peterborough 0
Championship, December 2009.
West Brom 3 (Moore 2, Brunt) Peterborough 2 (Mackail-Smith, McLean)
Championship, August 2009.
Form guide…
West Brom: LWDDDL
Peterborough: WDLLDW
Vital information…
KICK-OFF TIME: 7:45pm
TV: Live on BBC1