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West Brom using FA Cup memories as motivation, says Darren Fletcher

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 02:  Darren Fletcher of West Brom applauds the fans after the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and West Br
Image: Darren Fletcher says West Brom must use last season's defeats as motivation against Aston Villa

Darren Fletcher wants West Brom to use the memories from last season's controversial FA Cup clash as motivation ahead of a return to Aston Villa this weekend.

Albion lost 2-0 in the FA Cup sixth round in March, a result which sparked a pitch invasion from Villa fans while chairs were thrown on to home supporters from the away section.

Baggies boss Tony Pulis questioned the level of stewarding at the time, fearing for his players' safety, and Villa, who apologised for the invasion, were fined £200,000 by the Football Association.

It came just four days after West Brom had lost 2-1 away to Tim Sherwood's side in the Premier League and Fletcher, who was cup-tied for the clash, wants the Baggies to exorcise their Villa Park demons.

Fans invade the pitch as Aston Villa's Scott Sinclair scores their second goal during the FA Cup Quarter Final match against West Brom.
Image: Fans invade the pitch as Aston Villa's Scott Sinclair scores their second goal during the FA Cup Quarter Final match against West Brom.

"It was a difficult week and things happened that shouldn't happen on football pitches," he said.

"We've got to use that to motivate us to help us get the result.

"I'm looking forward to it. I experienced it last year and was disappointed to lose a goal in the last minute.

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Merson's predictions
Merson's predictions

Paul Merson expects Crystal Palace to surprise Tottenham, and fancies Man City and Liverpool to win.

"Then there was the cup game which I wasn't involved in.

"The passion and the atmosphere was fantastic and it's up to us to go and meet that challenge and give our fans something to shout about."

Albion have kept three straight clean sheets but have scored just three league goals this season and Scotland international Fletcher admitted they need to improve in attack.

Tony Pulis and Tim Sherwood embrace prior to the FA Cup Quarter Final last season
Image: Tony Pulis and Tim Sherwood embrace prior to the FA Cup Quarter Final last season

"We need to work on the balance between not conceding but also being a threat," he said.

"We have gone from losing the goals against Chelsea and Manchester City to not conceding and we're now looking like less of a threat going forward."

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