West Bromwich Albion host their Premier League rivals in the FA Cup this weekend.
While West Brom seem to have one of the smaller squads in the Premier League, Alan Pardew does have a cluster of exciting youngsters patiently awaiting their chance to make an impact for the first-team.
But with a relegation scrap that looks set to go right down to the wire if the Baggies are to keep themselves up this term – they currently find themselves seven points off safety with 11 games to go – Pardew will understandably be wary of deploying too many of his inexperienced players in the top flight.
Therefore, the FA Cup game with Southampton could be an excellent way for Pardew to make a couple of changes that may involve giving some of the academy prospects a chance to shine.
And one of the players who should arguably play this weekend is Jonathan Leko. The 18-year-old was recalled from his loan spell at Bristol City during the January transfer window so the cup tie could be the ideal time to give him the platform to show what he has got.
Leko appears to have a huge amount of potential, but Pardew may be concerned about giving him a chance in the top flight right now. But it would arguably be a mistake to not give him an opportunity against the Saints.
If the teenager shines against a Premier League rival, that will do wonders for his confidence and will show to Pardew that he should not fear throwing him into the side during the remaining weeks of the campaign if the regular starters continue to struggle to make an impact.
It may be too optimistic to expect Leko to put in the kind of performance that makes it impossible for Pardew to leave him out for the game against Huddersfield the week after. But with West Brom’s hopes of survival currently looking slim, taking a gamble with his cup selection in the hope of stumbling across an inspired decision must be worth a go.
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