Burton Albion vs West Ham FA Cup Fourth Round Preview
League One underdogs Burton Albion are aiming for a monumental upset as they welcome Premier League side West Ham United to the Pirelli Stadium this Saturday in the FA Cup fourth round. The Brewers, currently battling relegation in the third tier, hope to channel their cup form into a giant-killing performance against a Hammers team seeking stability.
How to Watch the Match: TV and Streaming Details
The highly anticipated fixture kicks off at 12:15pm GMT on Saturday, February 14, with comprehensive broadcast coverage available across multiple platforms. In the UK, the game will be aired live on TNT Sports 1 and TNT Sports Ultimate, with pre-match build-up starting from 11:30am.
For those preferring digital access, a live stream is accessible via the Discovery+ app or website, requiring a premium subscription. This service supports viewing on smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs, ensuring fans don't miss a moment of the action.
Radio and Post-Match Coverage
National radio stations BBC Radio 5 Live and talkSPORT will provide live commentary throughout the match, offering an alternative for listeners on the go. After the final whistle, highlights will be uploaded to the TNT Sports Football YouTube channel for catch-up viewing.
Team News and Injury Updates
Burton Albion manager Gary Bowyer faces selection challenges ahead of the clash. Defenders Dylan Williams and Finn Delap are both injury doubts, while the availability of midfielder Charlie Webster and forward Julian Larsson remains uncertain, potentially weakening the home side's lineup.
West Ham will be without suspended defender Jean-Clair Todibo, who serves the final match of a domestic ban. Forward Pablo Felipe is also a doubt after missing recent training sessions, prompting manager Nuno Espírito Santo to consider squad rotations to manage fitness and tactics.
Recent Form and Head-to-Head Analysis
Burton Albion's FA Cup campaign has been prolific, with 14 goals scored over three rounds, including a 5-0 thrashing of Boreham Wood. However, their League One form tells a different story, as they languish in the relegation zone and are winless in their last five league matches, highlighting a stark contrast in performance levels.
West Ham have shown improved consistency recently, securing four wins and a draw from their last six games across all competitions. Despite this, they remain perilously close to the Premier League's bottom, viewing the FA Cup as a crucial opportunity to build momentum and confidence.
This encounter marks the first competitive meeting between the two clubs. Burton are chasing a historic first-ever appearance in the fifth round, while West Ham aim to avoid a repeat of past cup shocks against lower-league opponents, adding an extra layer of intrigue to this David vs Goliath battle.