Blackpool v West Brom: FA Cup offers Sam Allardyce chance to cast an eye over more of his squad

But Sam Allardyce has been appointed Albion’s head coach to keep them in the Premier League.

And that means – while this FA Cup clash at Blackpool is useful – the entire afternoon will be spent with one eye on next weekend’s derby against Wolves.

The reality is Allardyce has struggled to find a successful formula since arriving at The Hawthorns.

Yes, his side put in an impressive display to secure a point at Liverpool.

But their other games – against Villa, Leeds and Arsenal – have all ended in heavy home defeats.

For a man who builds his team on solid foundations, Allardyce has watched his side concede a whopping 12 goals in three games at The Hawthorns.

As he has said in his own words, his entire team needs to learn how to defend better as a unit.

So less than a month into the job, this trip to Blackpool will give him an opportunity to run the rule over some players who haven’t yet had much of an opportunity to impress.

Two of those could come in central midfield where Rekeem Harper and Sam Field will be eager to impress their new boss.

Harper did get a brief taste of first-team action with a late cameo against Arsenal.

And that confirms he is in Allardyce’s plans with the 20-year-old now desperate to show what he can do from the off.

Field is perhaps an even more intriguing option – with the former Charlton loanee the only out-and-out holding midfielder in the squad.

That is an area Allardyce wants to strengthen this month with Leicester’s Hamza Choudhury a known target.

But even with the addition of another defensive midfielder, Field could still have a big role to play.

It is understood the 22-year-old was close to getting a run in the side under Slaven Bilic before he contracted coronavirus and then picked up a minor knee injury.

But he is now closing in on a return to full fitness – with this FA Cup clash an ideal opportunity for Allardyce to see him in action.

Alongside Harper and Field, though, there are other things the boss has to consider when it comes to who to play in central midfield.

Conor Gallagher picked up his fifth yellow card of the season against Arsenal. In years gone by, that would have meant he was suspended tomorrow.

But a rule change means five bookings in the Premier League now leads to you missing a match in that competition. That may mean Gallagher gets a run out here.

Also available again is Jake Livermore who was sent off just half-an-hour in to Allardyce’s first game against Villa.

The head coach was furious about the dismissal and said post-match Livermore’s captaincy was under question.

It will therefore be interesting to see if Livermore gets the armband here.

In defence, Cedric Kipre will hope to get a run-out at centre-back.

When Albion signed the Paris-born defender in the summer, they always felt there was a chance they could loan him out this month. And reports suggest Blackburn are interested in signing him on a temporary basis.

But with Albion continuing to ship goals, Kipre will want to show Allardyce he is capable of helping the team tighten up.

Going forward, Kyle Edwards and Kamil Grosicki have been fringe players all season and will hope to start on the wings.

While up front, it is likely to be either Callum Robinson or Charlie Austin who gets the nod – with Karlan Grant ruled out with a broken foot.

Talisman Matheus Pereira may also start. It is understood Allardyce has reservations over his work rate.

And this will be an ideal opportunity for the Brazilian to prove he can shine under the 66-year-old.

In goal, it’s likely Allardyce will feel Sam Johnstone is too important to risk.

The 27-year-old has arguably been the best shot-stopper in the Premier League this season. And that means David Button is likely to get the nod.