West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce believes that Tony Pulis’ resurgent West Bromwich Albion will be tough opponents in their fifth round FA Cup tie, but feels if luck is on their side they can reach Wembley.
West Bromwich Albion, who appeared relegation fodder in the early part of the season, have undergone a revival following the appointment of Pulis. They started their FA Cup campaign under the new manager with a 7-0 thrashing of Gateshead in the third round and defeated Birmingham 2-1 in the fourth round.
The Hammers won 1-0 against Bristol City in their fourth round FA Cup tie on Saturday courtesy of an 81st minute header by Diafra Sakho off an Andy Carroll assist.
Allardyce has acknowledged winning the prestigious domestic cup is no mean feat.
"As time goes by you realise how difficult it is and it comes and goes over many years. There are times when it gets close and goes away again”, the manager told the club site.
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However, he added that luck plays an important role in the FA Cup and if it favours his team then they can overcome Pulis’ team and go all the way.
"In this competition, you need a bit of luck. Whether it be the draw going through the rounds, it can be a refereeing decision, it could be a lucky bounce, or an own goal. Those sort of things need to go in your favour”, he concluded.
After the FA Cup draw, West Ham will turn their attention to their next Premier League fixture against Liverpool to be played on Saturday.
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