Pete Hanson

Thu 25 January 2024 12:10, UK

Chris Sutton has predicted West Brom will lose the huge Black Country derby to Wolves in Sunday’s FA Cup fourth-round tie.

The fierce rivals are preparing to face off with one another for the first time since May 2021 after being drawn together in the cup.

Despite having home advantage at The Hawthorns, BBC Sport pundit Sutton has tipped Premier League side Wolves to edge out Carlos Corberan’s side with a 2-1 victory.

“This local derby is always a big occasion and it should be a great game too,” he said for the BBC Sport website (25 January).

“I watched West Brom lose at Norwich at the weekend, but they were a bit unlucky actually because they dominated possession.

“Wolves are on a nice run of form in the league, and I think their manager Gary O’Neil will fancy a bit of a cup run.

“I can see the scoreline being close, but I am pretty confident they will beat the Baggies.”

Anything can happen

Look, let’s make no bones about it, Wolves will sadly be favourites heading into this one due to their Premier League status.

But West Brom are going well in the Championship and should have absolutely no fear going up against O’Neil’s side, who will face an absolute cauldron of noise at a fired-up Hawthorns.

Moreover, history is on the side of the Baggies who have not lost to their rivals at The Hawthorns since September 1996 and there is absolutely no reason to believe they cannot extend that record again this weekend.

It will be fiery, there will be plenty of full-blooded challenges, but hopefully there will enough quality on the day from West Brom to see of their rivals and book a spot in round five.

This is going to be a good one and the neutrals should be in for a treat watching it on TV. Buckle up folks.

In other West Brom news, talks are now underway over the sale of a fan favourite.

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