Mauricio Pellegrino has insisted that he is "taking the FA Cup very seriously" and believes Southampton's last-16 showdown with West Bromwich Albion "is like a final".

Both teams have struggled in the Premier League this season, finding themselves inside the bottom three with games fast ticking down to climb clear.

Southampton, who are six points better off than bottom-placed West Brom, have the chance to put their disappointing form - just one win since the end of November - behind them when they turn focus to the domestic cup competition this weekend.

Pellegrino has hinted that he intends to name a weakened side against the Baggies, but still sees it as a chance to get supporters back on his side.

"Yes we are taking the FA Cup seriously, for many reasons," he told reporters at his pre-match press conference. "Both teams have nothing to lose - we have to go forward because it's like a final. Obviously, we have another chance if it's a draw but that we have this possibility to progress is amazing."

Southampton earned a 3-2 win at The Hawthorns on their most recent visit less than two weeks ago.