Leyton Orient must remember Richie Wellens' comments ahead of Man City, FA Cup clash | OneFootball

Orient players and fans alike can now enjoy the magnitude of the upcoming cup tie

Leyton Orient are currently gearing up for what could be the biggest cup tie in their history.

Orient are preparing to face Premier League champions Manchester City in an FA Cup fourth round tie on Saturday.

The draw was completed prior to the O's third round win against Derby County, which means fans have been anticipating it even before they got past the Rams.

Amid all the excitement, Richie Wellens' comments revealed he was keen to try and refocus his side's focus on League One but as we approach Saturday's game, those words are worth remembering as a reminder to enjoy Man City's visit.

Richie Wellens warned against complacency prior to tie

Speaking before the O's league fixture at home to Reading, Wellens stated: “We’re not talking about the cup game, it’s a distraction if I’m being honest. I don’t want people talking about it. We’ve got a full week leading into that, so when it comes we can enjoy that week leading into it.”

That approach seems to have worked for Orient, who picked up a pair of big wins against Reading and Exeter City which has seen the East London side sat inside the play-off places in League One even after they fell short against Stockport County last weekend.

The O's are currently on a tremendous run of form as of late, with that defeat against Stockport being their first in the league since the end of November.

Man City, meanwhile, are coming off of a 5-1 thumping by title rivals Arsenal, and will be looking towards a crucial Champions League tie with Real Madrid just three days after the Orient fixture.

While all the pressure will be on the Mancunians to progress, it is a perfect opportunity for the O's to get away from League One play-off race and enjoy the occasion in front of a sold-out Brisbane Road.

Leyton Orient have had a tough cup run so far

Even before they drew seven-time cup winners City, the O's have had an intense run in this year's FA Cup.

In their trip to National League South side Boreham Wood in the first round, the O's went 2-0 up early into the second half before the Wood drew level and even had a goal disallowed in injury time. Jayden Sweeney was dismissed in extra time, but Orient eventually prevailed via a penalty shootout.

Following that was a home tie against National League side Oldham Athletic, when Wellens' side needed a 99th-minute equaliser from goalkeeper Josh Keeley and a 121st-minute winner from Dan Agyei to get past the Latics.

The O's most recently won a penalty shootout against Derby County, three days after the Citizens booked their place in the fourth round after an 8-0 thumping of Salford City.

It would be hard to argue a case for Orient being undeserving of this tie, not just from recent results but also from the recent history of the club.

Only six years ago, the club were fighting to get out of the National League after years of turmoil and frequent managerial and player turnovers. Under the stewardship of Wellens since March 2022, the club have a level of stability the vast majority of the EFL would be envious of.

Whether Orient can defeat the Mancunian giants or not, it is still an impressive feat to be in the position the club find themselves in not even a decade removed from a real threat of liquidation.

Whatever happens in the tie, it is important that Wellens' words are remembered – everyone should soak the occasion in.