Reading will take on Premier League outfit West Bromwich Albion in Saturday's FA Cup fifth round tie.

The FA Cup was a distraction from last season's shocking league form, and it looks as though that will be the case again this season, with the Royals having booked their place in the last 16 following a comfortable 4-0 home victory over Walsall in the last game, and also a 5-2 thumping of Huddersfield in the 2nd round replay after a 2-2 draw in the initial tie.

This is very much an under-performing side, and after summer signings such as Paolo Hurtado and Orlando Sa proved ineffectual, there has been little to celebrate this season.

Reading fans will feel they are owed a good FA Cup run, especially after the Steve Clarke saga regarding the Fulham job, and the the emergence and then sale of top scorer Nick Blackman.

Here are THREE things to watch out for in this tie:

1) Deniss Rakels

The Latvian striker has struggled for game time since arriving from Poland, but could get his first start for the Royals here in this game, especially with Yann Kermorgant cup tied, and FA Cup top scorer Matej Vydra nursing a slight knock.

Rakels has shown pace and drive in his few substitute appearances to date, but he could go one better here, and lead Reading to victory.

Royals' boss Brian McDermott will be hoping that his January signing can grab his first goal for the club to give him a selection headache when Kermorgant and Vydra are available again.

2) Hal Robson-Kanu

For years, Reading fans have been frustrated with the Welshman, who has always shown considerable potential and talent which has never been put to use.

Of late, his form has perked up a little, and he picked up the Reading FC Player of the Month award for January.

If he turns up here, West Brom could be in for a long afternoon.

3) Home support

It has been mentioned that the atmosphere around the Madejski Stadium has not been as lively and enthusiastic as it usually is, with back to back goalless home draws having sucked the life out of the fans.

This tie against Premier League opposition is a great chance to change this, but if they go a goal down early on, it will be interesting to see if the fans remain in high voice.

With West Brom being far from inspiring in recent weeks, this could be the chance to get a morale-raising victory, for the players and the fans.

Reading and West Brom fans...What are your predictions for the match? Can Reading cause an FA Cup upset? Will the Baggies' Premier League quality be too much for the Royals? Let us know what you think in the comments below!