Chris Lepkowski shares ‘raw tribalism’ verdict ahead of West Brom FA Cup clash v Wolves
Chris Lepkowski has labelled the Black Country derby between West Midlands rivals West Brom and Wolves as “raw tribalism.”
The verdict comes ahead of the FA Cup fourth round meeting between the Championship club and the Premier League outfit.
The Hawthorns plays host to the match on Sunday (28 January), which represents the first FA Cup tie between the clubs for 17 years.
“This is raw tribalism – a world away from the slick presentable image of modern-day football,” Lepkowski told BBC Sport.
Huge clash
There are no points up for grabs in this fierce derby, but there is, of course, plenty at stake, namely a place in the next round of the FA Cup.
That will undoubtedly be the name of the game for the players and managers of both clubs, but fans will also have to focus a lot of their attention on bragging rights.
It is certain to be quite the spectacle, with fierce challenges and feisty encounters expected from the very first whistle.
That means West Brom manager Carlos Corberan has a lot to deal with in the build-up to the match, with the man in the dugout needing to focus on tactics and ensuring his players keep a level head.
Visiting manager Gary O’Neil must do the same, although his task has been made more difficult given how the match will be played at The Hawthorns.
The home supporters should be in full voice as they prepare to give the Premier League club a very hostile reception.
It is the Premier League club who are favourites to come out on top given their superior status, but that should play into the hands of the Championship club.
In other West Brom news, a Premier League player has sent a three-word message to Andi Weimann after a career milestone for the forward.
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