Burton Albion vs. West Ham United: A David vs. Goliath FA Cup Clash
The Pirelli Stadium is set to host a captivating FA Cup fourth-round tie as League One’s Burton Albion welcomes Premier League side West Ham United. This match, kicking off at 12:15 GMT, promises a compelling narrative of potential upset and cup magic. Four other FA Cup fourth-round ties are scheduled for Saturday, including Man City v Salford, Aston Villa v Newcastle (17:30), and Liverpool v Brighton (20:00). Final Score will provide comprehensive coverage of all the action.
Fan Protests and Team Selection
The atmosphere surrounding the match is charged, with West Ham fans making their discontent known. A plane flew over the Pirelli Stadium displaying a banner calling for the departure of Chairman David Sullivan and Managing Director Karren Brady. West Ham manager Nuno Espirito Santo has opted for a significant shake-up in his starting lineup, making 10 changes from the previous match.
Speaking to TNT Sports, Nuno Espirito Santo defended his team selection: “I don’t see there’s a risk, I see a good opportunity and chance for players that are not usually starting games to have minutes, to enjoy the game and go through the round – that is what we want.” He also emphasized that the FA Cup is a priority, stating, “Our priority is always the next game.”
Burton’s Belief and Historical Inspiration
Burton Albion boss Gary Bowyer is instilling a belief in his players that an upset is possible. “We’ve got to believe that we can pull off an upset. That’s been the preparation all week and the message to the players,” he told TNT Sports. He highlighted the importance of the occasion for his players and supporters, emphasizing the memorable moments the FA Cup can create.
Bowyer has drawn inspiration from Burton’s past FA Cup exploits, particularly their famous draw with Manchester United in 2006. “It’s a special moment for the club. The tie helped build this stadium,” he explained. He’s also shown his team footage of other cup upsets, including Macclesfield’s recent victory over Crystal Palace, to sow seeds of doubt in the minds of their Premier League opponents.
West Ham’s Squad and Tactical Approach
Despite the changes, West Ham still boasts a strong squad, including £40m defender Max Kilman, Adama Traore making his full debut, and Callum Wilson, a proven Premier League goalscorer with 93 goals. Nuno Espirito Santo has been preparing his team for a tough contest, even practicing penalties in anticipation of a potential shootout. He’s warned his players about Burton’s threat from throw-ins and reminded them of the dangers of complacency, referencing Macclesfield’s shock win over Crystal Palace.
Key Stats and Facts
- Burton Albion are the leading scorers in the FA Cup this season with 14 goals.
- This is the first-ever meeting between Burton Albion and West Ham United.
- There is no VAR in use until the next round of the FA Cup.
- West Ham and Burton are both in relegation positions in their respective leagues, separated by 47 places in the English football pyramid.
Where to Watch and Listen
You can listen to live commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Radio Derby, and BBC Radio London. Stay tuned for updates and analysis throughout the match!
Team Line-ups:
Burton XI: Collins, Godwin-Malife, Vancooten, Lofthouse, Armer, Revan, Evans, McKiernan, Shade, Beesley, Krubally
West Ham XI: Areola, Mavropanos, Mayers, Kilman, Walker-Peters, Magassa, Kante, Lamadrid, Scarles, Traore, Wilson
Source: BBC Sport
