WOLVES v WEST BROM
Premier League
Sunday 8th May 2011 – Kickoff 12noon
Wolves take on midlands rivals West Brom in the Black Country derby at lunchtime on Sunday as time runs out for Mick McCarthy’s men in their penultimate home match of the season.
When you’re scrapping for Premiership survival at the end of the season, apart from hosting the likes of Manchester United or Chelsea, the last thing you need on your wish-list of opponents is a midlands derby. Wolves have a second midlands derby in two weekends following last week’s draw against Birmingham City.
Wolves were disappointing last week, not only because they didn’t win but because of a seemingly reluctance to attack when Birmingham were reduced to 10 men following Craig Gardner’s sending off. For all their hard luck stories and huff and puff, the fact remains that Wolves are now winless in their last five matches and time is running out fast.
However, their home record is the best of teams around them in the bottom quarter of the table; 7-4-6 25/26, but their worst enemy might ironically be their home crowd if things don’t go right early doors against the Baggies on Sunday.
Wolves go into this match on the back of three comprehensive defeats to Newcastle United, Everton and Stoke City, with draws against Fulham and 10-man Birmingham City.
Incidentally, Wolves have won just once at Molineux against West Brom in their last five meetings there.
Whilst still not safe mathematically, West Brom must surely be 99.9% safe and extend their tenure in the top flight for another season. Despite being a Birmingham fan, I’ve got to say I’ve been impressed with the way the Baggies have played this season; they’re creating chances and scoring goals which has coincided with the arrival of striker Peter Odemwingie.
And, although their stats don’t necessarily suggest it, their away form has been more solid this time around with a record of 4-4-9 22/35, and will be looking to extend their unbeaten away run to five matches at Wolves on Sunday.
Draws at Stoke City and Tottenham (the latter fixture would have previously seen them capitulate I’m sure) have been a credit, along with the derby win at Birmingham City and at Steve Bruce’s Sunderland guaranteeing almost certain safety.
The Verdict: West Brom have had the wood over their black country rivals in recent times and their depth in attacking options should see them through here with at least a point if not all three, whilst Wolves cannot get a win from anywhere at the moment; the pressure is certainly on Wolves in this one and I don’t think they will handle it – take West Brom to win 2-1 as a possible scoreline.
Main Pick: West Brom AH0,+0.5 @ a generous 1.95 with bet365 represents fantastic value
