Why West Brom fans will love Gareth McAuley's 'smashed 'em' claim as Wolves prediction made

West Bromwich Albion hero Gareth McAuley has whipped up Baggies fans ahead of the Black Country derby.

Sunday is the day that supporters of both West Brom and Wolves have been waiting for.

Nobody will forget the scenes at The Hawthorns when these two last met in January 2024 in the FA Cup.

It was a visceral reminder as to how intense this rivalry is, and the layers of hatred the fixture is steeped in.

The Midlands will stop come 12pm on Sunday to see who emerges from Molineux with fresh bragging rights.

And according to West Brom legend McAuley, it will be a day to remember for Baggies supporters at the home of their bitter rivals.

What is Gareth McAuley's Wolves vs West Brom score prediction?

West Brom haven't had many better centre-backs in recent times than McAuley.

The now-retired 80-cap Northern Ireland international played 227 times for Albion in all competitions between 2011 to 2018.

Enjoying a seven-season-long career at The Hawthorns, he also got the opportunity to play in a couple of Black Country derbies against Wolves.

And, speaking via westbrom.fc via X on Friday, McAuley is backing Albion to go and repeat history at Molineux on Sunday.

"I hope everyone is looking forward to the Black Country derby on Sunday," McAuley said.

"I was lucky enough to play in two, famous one in 2012 where we went there and smashed 'em.

"Think 'Mozza's' got the team in a really good position. Fancy them (Albion) 3-1. Come on the Baggies."

So, for those who perhaps weren't born or just need welcome refresher, what was the game in which McAuley refers to as 'smashing' Wolves in?

West Brom's 2012 win remains the gold standard to beat for the Baggies

Sometimes, it really does feel like the football gods are shining on a certain team on a specific day.

For West Brom, perhaps the closest they've had to a theophany of the footballing deities came on 12 February 2012.

Albion headed to Molineux for a Premier League clash, and ran out 5-1 winners on the day.

Peter Odemwingie scored a hat-trick, whilst Jonas Olsson and now-Brentford manager Keith Andrews also bagged goals.

West Brom boss James Morrison also played in the heart of the Baggies' midfield that day.

It will take some doing to repeat that feat once again on Sunday, but any way in which three points are achieved will be gladly taken.