[Ska'dForLife-WBA]

With the league campaign lurching from one crisis to another, the cup arrives as a welcome distraction, as is all too often the case for Albion. This year we've had the dubious delight of being drawn for just the second time ever against Brighton, the first time being three years ago as the wheels came off under Big Dave. The replay in that tie was one of four defeats we've suffered in our last five FA Cup matches at home, while Brighton have been knocked out in the third round only twice in a dozen years. It's not a great outlook, even before you factor in our traditionally poor record against Premier League opposition in the tournament and the number of suspensions we face.

A token showing and surrender by a second-string side tomorrow, then? Obviously I hope not, but the precedent for it is strong. Nevertheless, after a poor festive period the chances are running out for Ismael to demonstrate that he's the man to take Albion forward, and even if an upset in this tie is unlikely, a lacklustre or indifferent performance would do him no favours at all. No matter who makes the starting eleven, a good showing is the bare minimum required.