Exeter City V West Brom Match Preview

For the second time in three season's, Exeter City have progressed into the third round of the FA Cup.

The Grecians welcome Premiership Strugglers West Brom to St James Park on Saturday afternoon.
 

City head into the game after suffering another defeat against Newport County leaving them 7^th in League 2. However, Paul Tisdale’s side are just 12 points adrift of table toppers Luton Town.
 

West Brom on the other hand, are without a win since August.
 

Speaking to the club’s website, City midfielder Ryan Harley says they must approach the game full of confidence.
 

“I think if you show any fear they will they will hurt you. We have seen that with Man City recently. Any teams that show a bit of fear, they wipe the floor with them. So, we have got to go into it buzzing and confident and see what happens really.”

In 2016, City held Liverpool to a 2-2 draw at St James Park. Unfortunately, Ryan missed the game through injury. Despite West Brom not being a top Premierships side, the Grecian midfielder says It will be a huge game for the players and fans.

“It will be a little bit different,” said Ryan. “Hopefully they won’t be quite as good as Liverpool but they are obviously going to be a very, very good side. They have been in the Premier League for more or less the whole time it has been going. It is obviously going to be a difficult task, but we have got nothing to lose so we will hit it and see where it takes us. It is a big game for all the players, the club and the supporters but it is one with have got to enjoy really. These moments don’t come around that often against Premier League teams.”

In the other camp, West Brom manager Alan Pardew had a press conference earlier this afternoon. After a succession of defeats, the 56-year-old manager feels a win coming.
 

“There is pressure on us to win on Saturday,” he said. "We need to get through and be in the hat - that’s what we are going to try to do against Exeter. Phillips won’t be involved. Dawson’s fatigue levels are high and I won’t risk him on Saturday. A win for us on Saturday would be something we can build on and gain momentum from. It won’t relieve the pressure on us in the Premier Leauge though. It can create some kind of excitement for our fans and we need to deliver.”

The match will kick off at 3pm. Team news from both sides will be announced shortly.