Wolves boss Gary O’Neil fires warning ahead of West Brom derby
Gary O’Neil has admitted that he “can’t wait” after Wolves confirmed a Black Country derby would take place against West Brom in the FA Cup Fourth Round.
His side left it late to defeat Brentford in their FA Cup replay on Tuesday 16 January, with a Matheus Cunha penalty sealing a 3-2 victory in extra time.
Now, the two rivals are set to meet for the first time in almost three years, when both sides were competing for survival in the Premier League. Wolves finished 13th that season, while the Baggies were exiled from the top tier after a 19th-place finish.
“I understand fans will be excited, it will be a big atmosphere, it hasn’t been played with fans for a while,” he said to Birmingham Mail following their win versus Brentford (18 January).
“I can’t wait to lead the team down there and see if we can progress again.”
Bring it on.
Despite Wolves’ Premier League status, West Brom have got the better of their opponents more often than not in recent fixtures, boasting three wins in the last six meetings. Wolves? Only one in May 2011.
That trend stretches much further than the last six meetings, too. Of their 162 matches throughout history, West Brom have claimed 65 wins while Wolves have only managed 53, with the two sides locked in a draw on the other 44 occasions.
Both sides will come into the game with brilliant form. Only losing to Swansea City in their previous five matches, the Baggies have claimed all-important wins against Norwich City, Leeds United and Blackburn Rovers, as well as progressing in the FA Cup against Aldershot Town.
Wolves, on the other hand, have not lost since a 3-0 defeat to West Ham in mid-December, toppling Chelsea, Brentford and Everton in the Premier League, as well as the draw and win in two other meetings with Brentford in the FA Cup.
The Black Country derby is brilliantly poised ahead of the fifth-round meeting between the two, with many neutral fans excited to watch the chaos ensue at The Hawthorns at the end of January.
In other West Brom news, consortium backs out of takeover in fresh John Percy update.
For more West Brom news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.