West Bromwich Albion and Wolverhampton Wanderers are set to face off in a highly-anticipated Black Country derby at The Hawthorns on Sunday. The winner of this match will secure a place in the fifth round of the FA Cup.
West Brom made it to the fourth round after defeating Aldershot Town, while Wolves eliminated Brentford from the competition in a replay.
Match preview
The last time these two teams met in a competitive fixture was in May 2021, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, and without any fans. However, this time, The Hawthorns will be packed with supporters for the much-awaited reunion.
Since being relegated from the Premier League in the 2020-21 season, West Brom has struggled to regain their top-flight status. They were knocked out of the FA Cup in the fourth round last year, suffering a 3-0 defeat to Bristol City.
In the third round of this year’s FA Cup, West Brom faced National League team Aldershot Town and secured a comfortable 4-1 victory.
They followed it up with a Championship win over Blackburn Rovers. However, their recent trip to Norwich City ended in a disappointing 2-0 loss.
Despite their FA Cup exploits, West Brom’s main goal is to secure a playoff spot for promotion. They currently sit in fifth place in the Championship standings.
Their home form has been impressive, with four consecutive wins at The Hawthorns and just one loss in their last 12 home games.
On the other hand, Wolves managed to hold Brentford to a 1-1 draw in the FA Cup third round, despite playing with 10 men. In the rematch at Molineux, they secured a 2-1 victory in extra time, thanks to a penalty from Matheus Cunha.
Wolves have a rich history in the FA Cup, having won it four times. However, their last triumph came back in 1960.
In recent years, they have been eliminated in the fourth round, including a defeat to Norwich City in their most recent attempt to reach the fifth round.
In their previous league match, Wolves held Brighton & Hove Albion to a goalless draw. They are currently on a six-match unbeaten streak and will be looking to extend it against West Brom.
However, their away form at The Hawthorns has been poor, with no wins since September 1996.
Team News
West Brom will be without Andreas Weimann, who is cup-tied after featuring for Bristol City earlier in the competition.
Semi Ajayi and Grady Diangana are on Africa Cup of Nations duty, while Jayson Molumby, Daryl Dike, Matt Phillips, and Josh Maja are sidelined due to injuries.
Wolves have their own international absentees, including Hwang Hee-chan and Boubacar Traore. Rayan Ait-Nouri, who plays for Algeria, should be available after their early AFCON exit.
Pablo Sarabia and Joao Gomes are doubtful due to injuries, but there is hope that they might feature.
Possible starting lineups
West Bromwich Albion: (4-3-3)
Griffiths;
Furlong, Bartley, Kipre, Townsend;
Swift, Chalobah, Mowatt;
Wallace, Thomas-Asante, Reach
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
Both teams have had their share of struggles recently, and it promises to be a tightly contested match. West Brom will be eager to bounce back from their loss to Norwich, but Wolves have the momentum of a six-match unbeaten run.
We predict a narrow 1-0 victory for Wolverhampton Wanderers, as they look to end their winless streak at The Hawthorns.
