Are Peterborough United capable of causing a big FA Cup upset?

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Shaquile Coulthirst scores against West Brom in the original tie. Credit: PA

By Andy Ward

It's a big night for Peterborough United as they look to cause an upset by dumping Premier League side West Brom out of the FA Cup.

Posh haven't reached the fifth round for 30 years and many neutrals won't fancy their chances of ending that record against the Baggies.

However, a 2-2 draw at The Hawthorns will have given Peterborough hope and we've been looking at how they could go one step further tonight.

Their key players will have to perform to their maximum

Peterborough are blessed with some exciting, attacking talent and they'll need to be on top form later.

Midfielders Erhun Oztumer and Chris Forrester have been in superb form this season, and both players have the technical ability to hold their own against their Premier League opponents.

Posh struggled to deal with Saido Berahino at The Hawthorns. Credit: PA

It will be a big test for the duo coming up against the experience of players like Darren Fletcher and Craig Gardner but Posh fans will be hoping that they can come through it with flying colours.

At the other end of the pitch, Michael Bostwick will have a big role to play in trying to keep Saido Berahino quiet while it will be up to Lee Angol and Shaquile Coulthirst to provide a threat in the final third.

In Graham Westley, Posh also have a manager that has experience of knocking out top flight opposition after his Stevenage team beat Newcastle United in 2011.

West Brom's growing injury list could be a factor

Tony Pulis has concerns over several of his defenders. Credit: PA

West Brom have fitness concerns over a number of their key players and that can only help Posh.

Manager Tony Pulis was always likely to rotate his squad anyway, but injuries to a number of his first-choice defenders won't have helped preparations.

West Brom's Jonas Olsson will be assessed before the game. Credit: PA

However, the Baggies are still very strong up front with the likes of Berahino and Salomón Rondón and if they fire on all cylinders, it could be a difficult night.

Posh are unlikely to sit back

Lee Angol will be expected to offer an attacking threat tonight. Credit: PA

Peterborough rarely disappoint when it comes to entertaining their fans, and you'd expect them to stick to their attacking instincts again tonight.

Posh are among the highest scorers in the entire Football League and they could capitalize on a depleted Baggies defence.

Conor Washington has now moved to QPR. Credit: PA

Many of those goals did come from striker Conor Washington who has now moved on to QPR, but Graham Westley's side have still looked a threat in his absence as illustrated by their 2-2 draw at The Hawthorns.

Keeping goals out at the other end of the pitch could be their biggest problem tonight though, especially with Ricardo Santos and Michael Smith both missing through suspension.

Peterborough United v West Brom, FA Cup fourth round replay, Wednesday 10 February, 19:45

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