The FA Cup will take centre-stage this weekend, but the one Premier League clash on Sunday sees struggling Black Country rivals West Brom and Wolves go head-to-head at the Hawthorns in arguably one of the biggest derby games in their history (match markets).
Wolves (evens To Stay Up) travel to their neighbours currently sat at the foot of the table but could join the Baggies on 27 points with a win and drag their rivals further into the relegation battle (West Brom 11/8 Relegation) as we head towards the home straight this season.
Neither side is in particularly good form of late, hence their struggles at the wrong end of the table, but the outcome of this match could make-or-break their respective seasons.
To add extra spice to the occasion Roy Hodgson will take charge of his first game in charge of West Brom following Roberto Di Matteo’s dismissal and he will hope the new manager factor can help give them a precious win (10/11 Home Win).
Striker Peter Odemwingie revealed that Hodgson has been focusing on tightening up the leakiest defence in the Premier League after watching from the stands as they threw away a three-goal lead against West Ham to draw 3-3 last Saturday.
Albion, who have endured a run of seven defeats and just four points from nine games, will face Wolves without influential midfielder Youssouf Mulumbu, but have no other fresh injury problems.
Wolves, who have only won on their travels once all season, should have Kevin Foley returning at full-back, while midfielder Dave Edwards should also be back following a leg knock. Stephen Hunt faces a late fitness test to see if he can shake off a calf injury in time to feature.
Wolves boss Mick McCarthy admitted that he “can’t articulate how big it is” when asked his thoughts on the game. And, while he is confident that his side can go and see off West Brom in their back-yard, the statistics do not back him up.
Wolves have lost their last four Premier League away fixtures and, having scored just nine goals in 13 matches on the road.
Taking everything into account the arrival of Hodgson should give West Brom the edge to shade what will be a tense clash as the home players look to impress.
By his own admission Hodgson has not had long enough to get his ideas across to the Albion players so I can see both sides managing to score (8/13 Both Teams To Score), but Wolves ending up pointless.
Prediction: West Brom To Score In Both Halves @ 19/10
Value Bet: Peter Odemwingie 1st Scorer & West Brom 2-1 Wolves @ 25/1
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