West Brom vs Aldershot Prediction: Can the Baggies get through unscathed?

One of the most interesting FA Cup third-round ties to be played on Sunday afternoon (14:00) sees West Bromwich Albion host Aldershot Town at The Hawthorns. It is a interesting clash that gives National League outfit Aldershot a chance to test themselves against Championship high-flyers West Brom.

The visitors will be confident heading to the West Midlands after they emerged as 3-2 winners against Woking in their last league outing, whereas the Baggies were beaten 1-0 by Swansea City in theirs.

Match Odds

You won't find much value in backing West Brom for victory at 1/4, so it is worth looking more at the West Brom and both teams to score markets with yes priced at 6/4, and no at 5/4. A draw can be backed at 5/1, while Aldershot are 9/1 to pull off a huge FA Cup upset.

Both teams to score is marketed at 8/11. Over 2.5 goals is 2/5.

Team News

West Brom boss Carlos Corberan has confirmed that American striker Daryl Dike will start on Sunday following the player's return from injury. He has been out of action since April so his return will be most welcome for the second half of the season. Josh Maja and Matt Phillips remain in the treatment room, however.

The visitors have no fresh injury concerns heading to The Hawthorns, which means we are likely to see their prolific goalscorer, Josh Stokes, get a crack at Championship opposition. He will be looking to add to the 15 goals he has already netted this term.

Daryl Dike to score anytime @ 6/5

Fans will be itching to see the return of Dike this weekend after the forward has had the worst luck with injuries since joining the club two years ago. While being sidelined, Dike has attended matches frequently, biding his time until he could step out on to the field again.

Having not played a competitive match of football since April, he is likely going to be a little rusty. That's why starting him in the FA Cup is perfect for him to get up to match fitness, as well as giving him an opportunity to test his scoring boots.

It is believed that the USA attacker may just be getting a 45-minute run out on Sunday, but we still like the look of his chances to find the back of the net in that time. His physical presence and technical ability have been a huge miss for the Baggies. Dike will want to show the fans, his manager and his team mates just exactly what they have been missing.

Aldershot defenders will we be wary of the threat he possesses and will not dismiss the fact that he is only just returning from injury. We're expecting him to cause them plenty of problems in this cup tie and for a player who has been down on his luck of late, we feel that his fortunes could be about to change and believe he will mark his return to the side with a goal.

West Brom to win to nil @ 5/4

West Brom have been a very defensively organised unit at The Hawthorns this term. In their last ten outings on home soil, they have only conceded four goals. Corberan and his players know that if they are to achieve their ambitions in the league this season then their home has to become a fortress.

This defensive record is most impressive and it leaves Aldershot with their work cut out for them in this FA Cup clash. The Baggies are fifth in the Championship table and are one of the strongest sides in the second tier. On paper they should have far too much quality for their non-league opponents and that is precisely what we think will happen on Sunday afternoon. And at 5/4, you will be getting excellent value for your buck.