West Bromwich Albion boss Tony Pulis has blasted the decision to schedule league games in the week after third-round matches in the FA Cup.

Teams in the Premier League and Championship will enter the FA Cup this weekend, but then face league matches in midweek.

Pulis has claimed that the order of fixtures will make it difficult for managers to select their strongest sides for the cup games this weekend.

"I'm a traditionalist who thinks the FA Cup is the greatest cup competition in world football. It deserves a clear run, so that managers can pick their strongest sides without being concerned about a league match a few days later," Pulis told reporters.

West Brom, who face a trip to a seemingly rejuvenated Chelsea in the league next week, will face Bristol City in the third round of the Cup on Saturday.