West Bromwich Albion and Wolverhampton Wanderers are set to face off in a highly-anticipated Black Nation derby at The Hawthorns on Sunday. The winner of this match will safe a spot within the fifth spherical of the FA Cup.
West Brom made it to the fourth spherical after defeating Aldershot City, whereas Wolves eradicated Brentford from the competitors in a replay.
Match preview
The final time these two groups met in a aggressive fixture was in Could 2021, through the top of the COVID-19 pandemic, and with none followers. Nevertheless, this time, The Hawthorns can be full of supporters for the much-awaited reunion.
Since being relegated from the Premier League within the 2020-21 season, West Brom has struggled to regain their top-flight standing. They had been knocked out of the FA Cup within the fourth spherical final 12 months, struggling a 3-0 defeat to Bristol Metropolis.
Within the third spherical of this 12 months’s FA Cup, West Brom confronted Nationwide League crew Aldershot City and secured a cushty 4-1 victory.
They adopted it up with a Championship win over Blackburn Rovers. Nevertheless, their current journey to Norwich Metropolis led to a disappointing 2-0 loss.
Regardless of their FA Cup exploits, West Brom’s predominant purpose is to safe a playoff spot for promotion. They at present sit in fifth place within the Championship standings.
Their house type has been spectacular, with 4 consecutive wins at The Hawthorns and only one loss of their final 12 house video games.
Alternatively, Wolves managed to carry Brentford to a 1-1 draw within the FA Cup third spherical, regardless of enjoying with 10 males. Within the rematch at Molineux, they secured a 2-1 victory in further time, because of a penalty from Matheus Cunha.
Wolves have a wealthy historical past within the FA Cup, having received it 4 occasions. Nevertheless, their final triumph got here again in 1960.
Lately, they’ve been eradicated within the fourth spherical, together with a defeat to Norwich Metropolis of their most up-to-date try to succeed in the fifth spherical.
Of their earlier league match, Wolves held Brighton & Hove Albion to a goalless draw. They’re at present on a six-match unbeaten streak and can be seeking to prolong it towards West Brom.
Nevertheless, their away type at The Hawthorns has been poor, with no wins since September 1996.
Crew Information
West Brom can be with out Andreas Weimann, who’s cup-tied after that includes for Bristol Metropolis earlier within the competitors.
Semi Ajayi and Grady Diangana are on Africa Cup of Nations obligation, whereas Jayson Molumby, Daryl Dike, Matt Phillips, and Josh Maja are sidelined as a consequence of accidents.
Wolves have their very own worldwide absentees, together with Hwang Hee-chan and Boubacar Traore. Rayan Ait-Nouri, who performs for Algeria, needs to be out there after their early AFCON exit.
Pablo Sarabia and Joao Gomes are uncertain as a consequence of accidents, however there’s hope that they may function.
Potential beginning lineups
West Bromwich Albion: (4-3-3)
Griffiths;
Furlong, Bartley, Kipre, Townsend;
Swift, Chalobah, Mowatt;
Wallace, Thomas-Asante, Attain
Wolverhampton Wanderers: (3-4-2-1)
Sa;
Kilman, Dawson, Toti;
Semedo, Lemina, Doyle, Doherty;
Bellegarde, Neto;
Cunha
Prediction: West Bromwich Albion 0-1 Wolverhampton Wanderers
Each groups have had their share of struggles just lately, and it guarantees to be a tightly contested match. West Brom can be desperate to bounce again from their loss to Norwich, however Wolves have the momentum of a six-match unbeaten run.
We predict a slim 1-0 victory for Wolverhampton Wanderers, as they appear to finish their winless streak at The Hawthorns.