West Brom vs Wolves: Don Goodman raises ‘concern’ ahead of FA Cup tie at The Hawthorns
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 expects West Brom to put up a strong fight against Wolves in their FA Cup tie but says it would be a “big shock” if they were to win.
Albion host Black Country rivals Wolves at The Hawthorns in round four of the competition on Sunday (28 January).
It is the first meeting between the fierce foes since May 2021 – a 1-1 Premier League draw – and the first in front of fans since February 2012.
West Brom are performing well in the Championship as they find themselves fifth in the table and right in the hunt for promotion via the play-offs.
Wolves have won three and drawn one of their past four Premier League games, meanwhile, and are positioned 11th after 21 matches.
Goodman, who represented both teams during his playing days, is looking forward to seeing the near neighbours face off once again.
“It’s a brilliant game,” he told West Brom News. “I’ve played in the Black Country derby for both of those fantastic clubs and know what it means.
“I’d completely understand the West Bromwich Albion fans who are heading to The Hawthorns going with a bit of trepidation.
“Wolves are a very, very good Premier League team with the kind of players that can really be disruptive.
“When you look at what Newcastle did to Sunderland, it was concerning how far ahead Newcastle were from a decent Sunderland team.
“Sunderland are in the same bracket as West Brom, so that’s a bit of a concern for them.
“But what West Bromwich Albion have that Sunderland don’t is masses of experience. It won’t faze the players that Wolves have more quality.
“It’s just a case of can West Brom find a way of controlling that ability? They’ll have to be on top of their game, defend for their lives and take any half-chances.
“If you’re looking at the game in isolation, Wolves are the better team and are expected to win.
“But West Brom have the tools and experience to make it more difficult for Wolves than Sunderland did for Newcastle.
“I’d imagine Wolves will win and I’d be surprised if they don’t, but this is the FA Cup and it’s a competition that churns out surprises in every single round.
“It’s not just as straightforward as saying Wolves have the better players, but I would see it as a big shock if West Brom were able to win that game.”
In other West Brom news, Don Goodman says he worries about the takeover picture at The Hawthorns in a “massive” verdict.
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