OFF THE BAR! Nearly a dream debut for Locadia at Brighton as he got on the end of a knock down but he could only smash the ball against the crossbar. Better luck next time.
If Pardew wanted to embarrass any of his taxi-stealing stars, he might consider subbing him off for his own amusement. Not that it would really help him today seeing as they are already losing.
No more pitch problems for Doncaster as Alex Kiwomya has scored for the home team against Fleetwood. Always great to see such a nostalgic name make some headlines.
Defender Wesley Hoedt has made the week slightly worse for Pardew by volleying in a corner for Southampton. All very simple for the Saints.
Defender Wesley Hoedt celebrates with his teammates after putting Southampton ahead at the Hawthorns. Photograph: Michael Regan/Getty Images
Not too much going on around the country. Southend are leading at home against Portsmouth, while Karl Robinson’s Charlton are 1-0 up at his former club MK Dons.
This certainly is worth noting.
Robert Wolf Petersen (@robwolfpetersen)
@Will_Unwin Worth noting that Chris Hughton was in the Spurs side that lost that iconic final. I like to think he’s been nurturing a deep-seated sense of bitterness ever since, and this is his opportunity to finally secure his long-dreamed-of revenge.
The whistle has gone at The Hawthorns and around the rest of the games in the country!
Miss Sheffield Wednesday v Swansea? Here is out report from the match.
Down at Doncaster there has been a minor issue with the pitch ahead of the game with Fleetwood.
Craig Bratt (@craigybratt)
Current scene at the Keepmoat Stadium. It seems a sprinkler system has exploded or something. Not quite sure what’s happening just yet! pic.twitter.com/dyedJPv0mx
Bad news for Jonny Evans who is not captaining West Brom today following his involvement in taxi-gate. Gareth McAuley will wear the armband.
Nick Ames has taken to Twitter to explain how hard his life is.
Nick Ames (@NickAmes82)
Seems to have been easier for me to get to the Amex from New York than for thousands of supporters to arrive smoothly from Brighton station. Kick-off delayed to 3.15pm.
Media outlets across the country are reporting earth tremors across the country, which is a novelty for Britain. Hopefully this will not impact on matches.
Further update from Nick: The congestion is the result of travel problems in the area.
Coventry’s trip to Brighton is somewhat of a free-hit for the League 2 team, according to Paul MacInnes.
Nick tells us that he believes the delay is related to crowd congestion at the ground.
The players were already out warming up at Brighton when the announcement was made. Our man at the Amex, Nick Ames, will provide us with some further details when he’s put down his sandwich.
A delay to the start at the Amex…
Will give you some more on this as I get it.
Brighton & Hove Albion ⚽️ (@OfficialBHAFC)
BREAKING: Kick-off for today’s @EmiratesFACup tie has been delayed until 3.15pm.#BHAFC
J.R has emailed in to mention Pardew’s finest hours.
He said: “Good to see Barry and Evans rewarded with a start after disgracing the club and insulting the supporters. Good job, King Pards! As for his wallet getting stolen, I guess the thief just saw it and said “I’m having that!”
The best thing about today is that there is not too long a wait for the FA Cup quarter final draw. It is on this evening as opposed to being on The One Show, which is a relief to all. You will be able to join me for all the numbers being pulled out later.
Just in case you are one of those folk who can’t remember the joys of Coventry winning the FA Cup, here is a gently video reminder of their finest day.
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It has been a great start to today’s FA Cup action as Sheffield Wednesday and Swansea play out a 0-0 draw. Can the 3pm kick-offs compete with that?
Tammy Abraham walks off the pitch after being substituted. Photograph: Peter Powell/Reuters
It is a proud day for Coventry at Brighton not just because they are in the fifth round of the FA Cup but due to the fact they have included six graduates from their own academy which is an impressively feat for a League 2 club.
I can assure you that Paul Pogba is not the only man suffering from illness today but some of us just have to get on with the job because we are professionals.
Paul Pogba (@paulpogba)
Gutted I won’t be at Huddersfield but I need to get better. Come on United 👊🏾 @ManUtd
Barcelona are playing at Eibar this afternoon in their tiny Ipurua stadium in the Basque Country as they prepare to face Chelsea. Sid Lowe spoke to Thomas Vermaelen about the ups and downs he has enjoyed/endured in his time at the Nou Camp.
There is a Brighton debut for Jurgen Locadia following his £14m move to the club in the transfer window. Breaking him in against a League 2 team might be a nice welcome for someone it is hoped will score the goals to guarantee survival in the Premier League.
West Brom are heading towards the drop so this is the last thing they will have wanted. Not to mention Pardew also having his wallet and phone stolen during the trip to Barcelona.
West Bromwich Albion’s Gareth Barry and Jonny Evans warm up ahead of the FA Cup fifth round match against Southampton. Photograph: Adrian Dennis/AFP/Getty Images
The failed West Brom stag party in Barcelona is something we’ll never be able to forget, especially as those involved are Pardew’s most trusted men who have let him and the rest of the team down. However, for the neutral, it is quite funny. In Pardew’s reign the club have stolen as many taxis as won Premier League games.
Speaking of people requiring taxis, if Southampton lose today Pellegrino might require a black cab to whisk him away from West Bromwich via the collection of his P45 as his side continue to struggle.
The big game not at The Hawthorns is Brighton hosting Coventry as the visitors look to relive their FA Cup glories and forget the fact they currently play in League Two. Brighton are focused on staying up while Mark Robins’s team will see a win as a morale booster as they look to get out of the fourth tier, so it could be ripe for an upset.
As there are so few games in the FA Cup and nothing in the Premier League, I will also be bringing you the best from here, there and everywhere.
