Don Goodman makes ‘gulf’ admission ahead of potential West Brom vs Wolves FA Cup tie
We’re delighted to welcome former West Brom striker Don Goodman as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at The Hawthorns.
Don Goodman believes West Brom can give Wolves a run for their money if they meet in the FA Cup, despite an obvious “gulf” in quality.
The Black Country rivals were drawn together in last week’s draw for the fourth round, but Wolves must first overcome Brentford in a replay.
Should they do so, it will set up a first meeting between the fierce rivals since 2020-21, with both games that season played behind closed doors.
Not since 2012 have they met in front of fans – a 5-1 win for Albion at Molineux – while the most recent such game at The Hawthorns was in October 2011.
Goodman, who represented both clubs during his playing days, is excited by the prospect of the West Midlands foes facing off again.
“It would be the first one in a while,” Goodman told West Brom News. “With it being at The Hawthorns that’ll slightly level the difference.
“And we have seen that there is a difference between the Premier League and that section of the Championship.
“We saw Newcastle go to Sunderland recently and they were very comfortable 3-0 winners.
“There is a gulf and you need everything you can to bridge the difference.
“The difference between Sunderland and West Brom, though, is massive experience.
“It’s arguably the most experienced group of players anywhere in the Championship that West Bromwich Albion have.
“I don’t think they’ll freeze in a way that Sunderland’s youngsters did.
“If Wolves do get past Brentford – and I hope they do because the region misses games like this – it’ll make for an intriguing game.”
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