West Brom vs. Wolves - Match Preview
It's a big game for both sides, both have earmarked 3 points here and there is that extra bit of pressure as it's a local derby game.
17th West Brom played: 7 points: 5 14th Wolves played: 7 points: 7West Brom head into this Black Country derby clash on Sunday with just one win under their belt and that came against Norwich a few weeks ago. Roy Hodgson's men have drew their last two matches and have only picked up five points so far this campaign. A dissapointing start for the Albion although they did face Man Utd and Chelsea in their opening fixtures. The Baggies have Wolvbes this Sunday and then another local derby in Aston Villa as they take McLeish's men at Villa Park in just a fortnight's time. The side finished 11th last season and many Albion fans are hoping for another season finished off in a comfortable mid-table position. Second season syndrome is not an option. They have some very big fixtures coming up; they must get some points on the board or else they'll find themselves dropping into the relegation zone and struggling for results. Form Guide in Premier League - LLLWLDD Wolves currently sit in 14th spot after a pleasing start to their season. McCarthy's side have suffered back-to-back defeats in losing to Liverpool and Newcastle. Wolves just about scraped survival last term and will be hoping they can keep their place in the division this term, too. It's a big game for both sides, both need the points and there is that extra bit of pressure as it's a local derby game, as there always is. Wolves drew to West Brom last season when the teams met at the Hawthorns. A Jamie O'Hara free kick put visitors infront but Carlos Vela hit back to secure a point in the dying seconds of the game. Wolves then went on to win at Molineux 3-1. Wolves will be the underdogs as they'll be away from home but form goes out the window in derby games, as we all know. Form Guide in Premier League - WWDLLL West Brom Team News Nigerian striker Peter Odemwingie is battling to overcome a foot problem but it's reported he may be fit in time for the match Steven Reid is doubtful with a broken hand, so summer signing Billy Jones may deputise at right-back Wolves Team News Wolves will be without leading scorer Steven Fletcher, who suffered a calf injury in training Left-back George Elokobi is sidelined with an ankle injury but fit-again Ronald Zubar could play his first game since February West Brom probable line-up:
Foster, Jones, Olsson, Tamas, Shorey, Brunt(C), Mulumbu, Scharner, Thomas, Long, OdemwingieFormation: 4-4-2 One to look out for: Shane Long. Club's leading scorer with three goals. Quick and mobile. Should cause Wolves defence problems. Wolves probable line-up:
Hennessey, Stearman, Ward, Johnson, Berra, Henry, O'Hara, Hunt, Jarvis, Doyle, Ebanks-BlakeFormation: 4-2-2-2 One to look out for: Matthew Jarvis. His pace and skill should be a threat to the Albion full-backs. When given time will support Doyle and create chances. Nathan's prediction: West Brom 2-1 Wolves.