Baptism of fire for Hodgson
This weekend will see only one Premier League game take place, but it’s a significant one both in local terms and in the relegation battle. West Bromwich Albion and Wolverhampton Wanderers meet for the very first time in the modern top flight, and it is an enormous clash for those two clubs.
Although the teams have been apart for two seasons now (Wolves gained promotion the season the Baggies went down), it’s fair to say that absence has not made the heart grow fonder. With the current predicament both sides find themselves in (Wolves are bottom, while West Brom’s alarming slide down the table resulted in the sacking of Roberto Di Matteo), this will be seen as a make or break fixture by fans of either team. If Wolves lose, they are cut adrift from safety – but an away win could lift them above West Brom, and out of the relegation zone.
It’s also a significant game on the West Brom bench. After last weekend’s capitulation from 3-0 up against West Ham, new manager Roy Hodgson formally takes charge of a team in a decidedly frail state in terms of confidence. His time at Liverpool having delivered a savage blow to his reputation as one of England’s best managers, Hodgson will be hoping for a quick start to build up momentum for the Baggies’ survival push.
So who’s likely to take the spoils? Historically, West Brom are – they have ten more Black Country derby wins than Sunday’s opponents. On the day, however, I can see West Brom’s collapse last week affecting them, and they may not deal with the pressure. Hodgson has been a slow starter at most of his clubs – even Fulham – and I can’t see it changing this weekend. I think Wolves will perhaps not want it more, but believe it more, and I’m predicting a tight and scrappy 0-1 away win.
