West Bromwich Albion will be hoping that they can put their Premier League struggles behind them when they host Conference Premier side Gateshead in the third round of the FA Cup this weekend.

The Baggies parted company with Alan Irvine earlier this week as the team sit just a point outside the relegation zone following defeats in their last three outings.

The team will travel to West Ham United in the league before this fixture, but have already indicated that they hope to appoint a new manager by the weekend, with Tony Pulis and Tim Sherwood both being linked to the vacancy.

Defender Jonas Olsson has previously indicated that he will be ready to return from an Achilles injury in the New Year, although this match may be a little too soon.

While some of the regular first-team members may be rested against non-league opposition, Saido Berahino could feature as he looks to end his two-month goal drought.

Meanwhile, Gary Mills will be hoping that his side can continue their cup run after reaching the third round for the first time since the club reformed in 1977.

The Conference Premier side have only faced non-league opposition so far, beating Norton United in the first round before knocking Warrington Town out last time out, and also thrashing Gainsborough Town in the final qualifying round back in October.

The team have been struggling for wins in the league recently though, picking up just a single victory in their last seven matches.

This will be the side's second match in three days as they travel to Halifax Town on New Year's Day, but they will be more rested than their opponents after Sunday's match against Telford was called off following a pitch inspection.

The team have reported no injury concerns, so are likely to name a strong side for the trip, with the manager telling the media after the cup draw that he wants his players to make the most of the opportunity.

West Brom twice knocked Gateshead AFC, a previous incarnation of the current Gateshead side, out of the FA Cup, most recently in 1952.

West Brom:

Form in FA Cup: LWLDLL
Form in all competitions: LDWLLL

Possible starting lineup: Myhill, McAuley, Lescott, Baird, Yacob, Gamboa, Mulumbu, Dorrans, Varela, Berahino, Ideye

Gateshead:

Form in FA Cup: WDLWWW
Form in all competitions: WWDWLD

Possible starting lineup: Bartlett, Curtis, Clark, Oster, Turnbull, Ramshaw, Allan, Baxter, Guy, Rankine, Wright

Sports Mole says: 2-0

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