Southampton are treating their FA Cup fifth-round clash with West Bromwich Albion "like a final", Saints boss Mauricio Pellegrino has claimed.

Both clubs are currently in the relegation zone with 11 games left in the Premier League season.

But Pellegrino is adamant England's top knockout competition remains a priority for the south coast club.

"Yes we are taking the FA Cup seriously, for many reasons," said Pellegrino.

"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.

"We want to move forward to the next round but also it can help us to improve as a team, to introduce players who have not played so much in recent games. It can also help us to believe more in our improvement since January.

"For those aspects I think it'll be really important to play seriously in the game, and to try to do our best."