Mark Warburton is expecting a tough match against Chris Hughton’s Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday as his side looks to secure passage to the Fourth Round for only the second time since 2006.
The Bees go into the game having lost their last two league games but, despite the Boxing Day defeat at home to Ipswich, they have won six of the last eight at home in the league.
Brighton ended a run of seven games without a win with a 2-0 success at Craven Cottage against Fulham on Monday and will be looking to impress new boss Chris Hughton in his first game in charge.
Speaking to Bees Player ahead of the match Mark Warburton said he expected a tough game against The Seagulls.
Despite losing to Wolverhampton Wanderers last time out Mark was happy with the performance and hopes his side can replicate that display but add a greater cutting edge this time.
“We played very well at Wolverhampton Wanderers and we dominated the game,” said Mark.
“We had analysis this morning and that showed how much we dominated the game in key areas of the park but we weren’t clinical enough in that final pass or final shot.
“Overall we will play far worse than that and get three points on another day.
“There are many positives to take out of the game despite the fact we lost 2-1.
“Brighton are a good team and they come into the game on the back of a good result beating Fulham 2-0.
“They have some very talented players and we are well aware of their threat but likewise we will have a strong team and will look to impose ourselves and bounce back.
“The FA Cup is a fantastic competition and we are desperate to get through and get into the next round.”
“You can describe our run of form as two defeats or as seven wins out of ten however you want to describe it.
“We are in good shape but we are disappointed that we are in the top six on 40 and not on more which is testament to the character and the quality of the squad.
“We will focus on the cup and on the league.
“It is not a Saturday, Tuesday type situation as we have got a gap in between.
“We have got a seven day preparatory period and hopefully we will have a good performance and prepare for Rotherham United after that.”
Mark has ruled out making wholesale changes for the FA Cup tie with The Seagulls but admits some players may get their opportunity to prove themselves.
With Chris Hughton taking charge of his first game as Brighton boss Mark expects him to put out a first choice Brighton XI.
The league encounter at Griffin Park back in September was an end to end attacking affair which The Bees shaded 3-2 thanks to goals from Moses Odubajo, Andre Gray and Jonathan Douglas.
While Mark doesn’t expect Saturday’s game to be as open as the league game he does expect it to be another exciting attacking encounter.
“Saturday’s game means one or two players will get a game but we have got paying spectators at Griffin Park,” said Mark.
“The atmosphere and support has been fantastic over the first part of the season and hopefully there will be another good crowd at Griffin Park.
“If that is the case then it is up to us to put out a strong team and deliver a strong performance.
“It is about the balance.
“There will be one or two starting but there are more than that who deserve to start.
“We will look for the right combinations and hopefully get the right result.
“Chris Hughton is vastly experienced and he is a top guy.
“I am sure he will do a great job at Brighton.
“He will want to see his players play and I am sure he won’t look to make wholesale changes in the first game but he will want to tweak one or two things and look to put into place the start of his foundations.
“Coming off their good result against Fulham it will be a tough test and we have to go into the game in a positive mind-set.
“I don’t think Saturday’s game will be quite so open as the league game.
“We will look to attack them and I think their full-backs might not be quite so attack minded this time around.
“We are aware they might be a bit more defensive and tighter at the back.
“They might not be as open but from our point of view we will look to impose ourselves as we do at Griffin Park and try and dominate the football.
“They are a good footballing side and hopefully for the neutral it will be a good game.”
Ahead of the game Mark Warburton’s squad was boosted by the signing of 20-year-old midfielder Lewis Macleod from Rangers for an undisclosed fee.
The midfielder, who has been capped by Scotland at every age level from Under-16 to Under-21, joined The Bees on a three-and-a-half year deal for the Glasgow club.
Mark was understandably delighted to be able to add someone of Lewis’ potential to his squad and did not rule out more incomings but only as long as they add quality, not just numbers, to the squad.
“Lewis’ signing is testament to the owner Matthew Benham and Frank McParland and his team,” said Mark.
“For us to sign a 20-year-old with his development potential left is an outstanding signing for us.
“He can play anywhere in midfield, he has two excellent feet, an eye for a goal and he recognises his defensive responsibilities.
“For me he has lots still to come, he ticks all the boxes and is a great signing for us.
“The club is moving forward but that has to be all of us.
“Everyone talks about the players but the staff, right the way from Frank McParland all the way down, have to keep on top of things and make sure we are on our game.
“The signing of Lewis Macleod is a statement of intent and hopefully there will be one or two more to come if the right player becomes available at the right price.
“Right now we have got a good, strong squad and Lewis is without doubt adding value to that squad.
“Everyone at the club is delighted with that.
“We are looking at people but only if they are adding value.
“We keep repeating it but there is no point us just adding numbers to the squad.
“We have got players now who are not getting much pitch time and are frustrated, but that is the nature of it.
“We are in a good spot in the league and they understand that.
“Their job is to be professional and the best they can every day.
“If we add one or two more it may lead to one or two players looking to get away or other clubs coming in for one or two players which we will have to defend.
“If any player leaves us they leave on our terms, which is fine.
“Right now we are not looking to add numbers but we are looking to add quality and then we will be in good shape.”
In Mark’s first calendar year in charge The Bees secured promotion and also were granted planning permission for their new stadium at Lionel Road.
Mark acknowledged that 2014 was a great year, both on and off the pitch for The Bees, and hopes that 2015 can be equally as special.
“The major news in 2014 was the new stadium and the players achieving promotion,” said Mark.
“To do that after the disappointment of the year before was fantastic.
“They have come in this season hungry for more and they want to taste more success.
“2014 was a memorable year and our job is to make sure that 2015 is as rewarding.”