Posts Tagged ‘albion’

Tamas, Valero and Dorrans futures in the spotlight

Although Albion are flying high and Tamas has made a great impression at the Hawthorns, Di Matteo is not guaranteeing that he will be making the loan a permanent deal.

“He’s been very good for us,” said the Albion manager.

“He’s brought a bit of experience, composure and calmness.

“He’s been a good loan player in that position for us.

“He played in the 2008 Euros for Romania and I saw him because they were in same group as Italy and France.

“I wasn’t particularly looking at him – but I do remember him.

“It’s too early to say whether we will sign him.

“We have an option and we’ll see towards the end of the season.

“We will sit down with his agent and see what we can do.”

There is of course no rush as Albion have an agreement to buy the player at the end of the season for £800,000 should they decide too, they have no need to rush and can have him if they want.

Di Matteo has also today spoken of Borja Valero and the possibility of him returning to the Hawthorns this summer.

The Midfielder returned to Real Mallorca for a season long loan and is having a great season, however, although Real have an option to buy the Albions most expensive ever player, they may not be able to raise the money. Di Matteo is well aware of how well Valero is playing this season, however, is also under no illusions that Spanish La Liga football probably suits him better than the English game.

“Borja is doing very well in Spain with Real Mallorca,” said Di Matteo.

“They’re in a great position.

“It’s a season-long loan so at the end of that we will sit down and have a discussion.

“Spanish football probably suits him a bit better than English football.

“I can see the qualities he has.

“It doesn’t surprise me that he’s doing so well in Spain because technically he’s a fine player.

“I’m not shutting the door on anybody.”

On the home front, however, 2nd best player outside of the Premiership, Graham Dorrans is considering his own options. He is not proven in the Premiership and says that he would rather prove himself at the higher level with the Albion. Thus suggesting that the young Scottish international will be with the Albion until at least the January transfer window should the Albion gain promotion.

Dorrans was just pipped to the post midweek in the FA player of the year awards, losing out to only Newcastle’s Kevin Nolan.

Albion Preston Preview

Jonas Olsson, Roman Bednar and Steven Reid are all likely to be mising from the team sheet today with all three injured. Olsson limped off at half time in Albions away victory at the Liberty Stadium over Swansea with a calf injury.

Bednar is struggling with a thigh injury which kept him out on Tuesday, while loan star Reid also sat that one out with a groin strain.

Winger Jerome Thomas is still suffering with a hamstring injury too, he will likely miss his 4th game in a row, however, should be back in time for the Coventry game next week.

Andy Slory may find himself being recalled, however we will see later on today.

Preston still have ideas of a play off place and held Albion to a goaless draw earlier in the season so what will we suggest as a good bet today?

Our bet of the day has to be West Brom to win outright at a tight 1.53 with Ladbrokes and we would also suggest Dorrans as the last scorer at 6-1 with William Hills.

Albion Players Bathing In Beer Tommorrow

In the latest single match shirt sponsorship deal, Albion have joined forces with Brierley Hill brewers, Bathams. The Bathams logo will adorn the Albion shirt tommorrow for the visit of Preston.

This will not only be a great advert for the real ale brewery, however, also serve as a tribute to DBA ‘Arthur’ Batham the founder of Bathams who was a lifelong Albion fan and season ticket holder for many years before he passed away aged 83 recently.

Arthur, along with his two sons who now run the brewery,Tim and Matt, used to be at most Albion games. He started his career as an Albion fan in the 1930′s and watched his last game from the Tony Brown Suite when Albion beat Posh on Boxing day.

Bathams are planning to hold a shirt auction to raise money for Cancer Research once the game is over.

Adrian Wright said: “We’re delighted to have struck this partnership with Bathams.

“Both the football club and Bathams are Black Country institutions and I am sure this sponsorship deal will strike a chord with many of our supporters.

“The shirt sponsorship is also a fitting tribute to Arthur, who I am sure would have been proud to see his family name on the shirt of the club he followed so avidly.”

Albion are also hoping to cash in on this deal on top of the sponsorship fee by producing just 50 limited edition shirts that will go on sale tommorrow for £39.99.

Albion injuries heading to danger levels

Joining Roman Bednar who has a thigh injury, Steven Reid who has a groin injury and Jerome Thomas who has a hamstring problem is now Jonas Olsson who picked up a calf problem during the first half in the victory over Swansea. He looks very unlikely to return in time to face Preston at home this coming Sarurday, leaving Roberto Di Matteo with a mounting problem.

“Jonas has a little injury in his calf,” said Di Matteo.

“That’s why we had to make a change at half-time.

“He shouldn’t be out for too long but it’s one more on our injury list and he’ll be very doubtful for our next game.

“I am a bit concerned about our injuries.

“We already had plenty and now that includes Jonas.”

With a few of the fit players like Ishmael Miller and Giles Barnes only just back from long term lay offs and still not properly match fit, Di Matteo will have to be ultra carful in his team sheet choice and substitutional back ups for the foreseeable future.

Swansea West Brom preview.

The Albion will be missing Bednar and Reid for tonights trip to Swansea and may also be missing Ishmael Miller in what is one of the most important games of the Championship run in for both the Albion and Swansea.

This clash between 2nd and 4th in the table is an all important game for both as it represents a possible last chance for Swansea to make the guaranteed promotion spot as well as representing the chance to allow Albion to make the gap quite daunting for both Swansea and Forest.

Swansea City have captain Garry Monk returning to the squad to give them a boost, when the top scoring team of the championship vitit the lowest scoring team. Returning from a calf injury, the captain joins Nathan Dyer as a returnee to the team after he too has recovered from an ankle injury.

Albion may be hoping for a return to the team for Shefki Kuqi as otherwise ex Albion striker Craig Beattie will be starting and he has already scored against his old club once this season.

Roman Bednar who only recovered a few days ago now has a thigh injury picked up in training and Steven Reid suffered a groin injury in the home win over Blackpool. Winger Jerome Thomas has failed to recover from his hamstring injury so he too will be missing once again.

Gianni Zuiverloon could be making a return tonight after being missing for a few weeks after 2 or 3 bad mistakes in previous back to back games. He will likely joined by another player who was missing recently, Luke Moore has now recovered from last weeks bout of flu. Di Matteo is hoping that the break has given Zuiverloon the rest he needed to regain his form.

“Yes, Gianni’s in contention for tonight,” said the head coach.

“I haven’t made my mind up yet but there is a possibility for Gianni to be back in the team.

“He wasn’t going through a good patch of form and it was affecting the team a little bit as well, so that’s why I left him out for a short while.

“Usually, a little break helps with some training.

“You can pick yourself up and we’ve also spoken to him.

“We’ll see how he goes.”

Although this clash is the top v bottom scoring teams, Swansea have one of the most water tight defences in the Championship having conceded only 9 goals at home. When you look at how many of the Albions goal scorers are missing tonight you could easily expect the possibility of Swansea being the first to do the double over the Albion this season.

Will Albion be the third team to win at Swansea this season? The stats are against this and are shown in the odds. Swansea are 6-4 with Sky and Albion slight outsiders at 7-4, the draw being 12-5 which West Brom Blog feel is good value. After offering the winning bet for Saturdays game where we suggested over 2.5 goals you may fancy following us tonight where we expext a goaless draw or possibly a single goal victory either way. This in mind it may be worth placing sensible money on under 2.5 goals which is 5-7 with Betfair or no goals at half time which is 7-4 with Betfair.

If you want to place your bet at Betfair we have a special free £25 bet on offer there so head down to Betfair now.

Bednar and Reid out of Swansea line up as Baggies reel from FA fine

Roman Bednar and Steven Reid are both injured and will be unavailable for tommorrows crunch trip to Swansea. Bednar who only returned from a 3 match injury break Saturday is now ruled out with a thigh injury and Reid has a groing problem.

Ishmael Miller who only recently returned from a 15 month absense due to injury picked up a hamstring problem during the Blackpool game, however , he has reacted well to the treatment and will be fit to face Swansea. The same is also said for Luke Moore who has made a recovery from illness which forced him out of the squad on Saturday.

Jerome Thomas who is suffering with a hamstring problem will not be ready in time for the trip to Swansea, however, Di Matteo is taking it all in his stride.

“The injury situation doesn’t get better, does it?” joked Di Matteo.

“You have a good weekend and think you’re looking good for the next game – and then you’re not!

“We’ve lost Steven from Saturday with a little groin problem while this morning Roman felt his quad so he won’t be available either.

“Jerome is also still out but Luke is a bit better from his flu while Ishmael, who got a kick to his hamstring, is recovering from his knock.

“But we’ll need to assess Ish.

“He’s been out for a long time and the same applies to Steven.

“Steven hasn’t played a lot of games in a short period for a long, long time. That goes for James Morrison too.

“All three of them are feeling the games because they’re not quite up to the tempo.

“I wish I could start Ish every game but we need to take all of these factors into consideration.”

The both teams have been fined for failing to control their players after a brawl at Home Park during February. The fine was £12,500 for both teams, however, £7,500 has been suspended until June next year. Should either team be charged with the same between now and then they will have to pay the other £7,500 plus suffer the consequences of the further breach.

Promotion in our own hands but still possible for 21 other Championship teams.

With all the talk of promotion being in our own hands, people are still missing how close this division still is. With just 10 games left for most teams, eleven for a few, there is still 21 other clubs that could overall the Albion and clinch promotion. Probably a very long shot and i am sure most bookies would offer silly odds on Scunthorpe gaining promotion, however, technically they can still leap frog the Albion.

The Baggies need 25 points to secure promotion, thats 8 wins and a draw, of course this goes down if Notts Forest lose or draw any of their remaining ten fixtures. Forest cannot seem to get a result away from home anymore, the last away win being ironically their 3 – 1 destruction of the Albion some 6 away games back.

Should forest lose just 1 of their remaining 5 away games and the Albion beat Swansea this week, Albion will need just 6 wins and a draw to guarantee premiership football next season.

There are all sorts of twists and turns still to come as the season comes to it’s crescendo, however, the Albion have probably got the harder of the run ins with games at Swansea, Reading, Watford, Doncaster and Crystal Palace to come and home games to play versus Preston, Coventry, Leicester, Middlesborough and Barnsley.

Forest have the following away games, Barnsley, Newcastle, Bristol City, Blackpool and Scunthorpe. Their home games are Peterborough, Crystal Palace, Cardiff, Ipswich, Plymouth.

The 3rd team in the race, Swansea have a run in with games at QPR, Cardiff, Blackpool, Bristol City and Sheffield United. Their home games are of course Albion tommorrow night, followed by Ipswich, Scunthorpe, Barnsley and Doncaster.

Looking at just the 3 most likely teams for the 2nd promotion spot it is inevitable that there will be some twists and turns, that the Albion are not certainty’s for the 2nd spot, however, it seems pretty certain that Newcastle will be promoted before the last day looms, they need just 7 victories from 11 games.

Will the battle be won on the final day of the season? Quite possibly, however, the Albion players seem to be up for the battle and are issuing their war crys already. Robert Koren today said:

“There are still ten games until the end of the season and we need to focus on ourselves.

“We have everything in our hands and we cannot look too much at what Nottingham Forest or anyone else are doing.

“We need to get as many points as possible from these ten games.

“We are full of confidence and we feel we are good enough to go up.

“But we need to show that week in, week out.”

With Forest suffering away day jitters and Albion on a roll, by this time next week the picture may well look much rosier for the Albion. If stats are anything to go by, tommorrows game should be an easy victory for the Baggies as Albion are the Championships top scorers on 71 goals and Swansea the lowest on just 31, what a shame it does not work like that.

Dorrans Penalty wins the spoils for the Baggies

West Brom moved a step closer to the Premiership after a second 5 goal thriller with Blackpool this season. This was the fifth double for the Albion of the season and a mirror of the Bloomfield Road game earlier in the season. The last game was won by a debatable penalty and the same happened at the Hawthorns this afternoon.

Charlie Adam’s scored in the 12th minute before Ishmael Miller equalised a minute later and by half time there was only one team in the game, or so it seemed.

Koren put the Baggies in front in the 53rd minute, however, the Tangerines fought back and equalised through Brett Ormerod on 72 minutes. 6 minutes later, however, Dorrans fired home another penalty and Albion held on for all 3 points.

After Blackpool opened the scoring they had another chance almost from the kick off, however, seconds later Steven Reid’s header was cleared off the line and Albion started to take control. Miller’s pace allowed him to get the better of Tangerines defender Rob Edwards and reach Chris Brunt’s pass and he put the ball through the legs Matt Gilks in to the back of the net.

Jonas Olsson had a header come back off a post but neither Reid or Miller could get the ball to score.

Giles Barnes replaced James Morrison when the teams came back out. Koren hit a 25 yards shot over the bar when Brunt was in a far better position in the 52nd minute, however, he made up for it just 80 seconds later from more or less the same position. That was the Slovenian’s second goal in 2 games.

On the hour Miller was replaced by Roman Bednar and from this point Blackpool started to get a foothold back in to the game. Miller was looking very tired and the lack of games was obviously showing through. In the 72nd minute they got their reward when Brett Ormerod headed of the underside of the bar and the ball smashed in to the back of the net from an Adams cross.

Just 6 minutes later, history repeated itself when the Albion were awarded a decisive penalty that Blackpool were very unhappy with. It was certainly no clear cut penalty, however a penalty it was and Graham Dorrans happily scored from the spot. That was more or less it, Albion closed the game down and held on to gain all 3 points.

This win saw them claw to within 4 points of Newcastle who have a game in hand, but more importantly see’s the Albion go 5 points clear of Forest who lost this afternoon, meaning Albion have their promotion chances down to their own performances now. Albion now need to do better than Forest in 10 of their 11 remaining games and they will most likely be in the premiership.

Esprit UK Sponsor Albion Shirts Again

Albion have clinched a 2nd deal with Esprit UK to have their logo on the Albion shirts for a 2nd time during the Albion Blackpool game tommorrow.

The Local firm who are owned by life long Baggies fans appeared on Albion shirts for the televised victory over Newcastle in the FA Cup.

Esprit UK, the 4th of the single shirt sponsors are the first to take a non televised game and also the first to take the option twice, others that have sponsored the shirts are Blue Square, Victor Chandler and Sbobet.

News from the Hawthorns is that they have now a shirt sponsor for every home game of the season remaining, so there is very limited opportunity to get sponsorship in this way now, short of away games and dare we say it – play off games should the club not win automatic promotion.

West Brom Blackpool Ticket News, Smethwick End Sold Out Again

The Smethwick End is sold out for Albion fans yet again for tommorrows Hawthorns visit by Blackpool. All other areas still have tickets available and will be on general sale at the ticket office tommorrow. You will also be able to purchase tickets at the cash kiosks around the ground for 90 minutes before the game and as usual they are situated by each section and only sell the section they are placed in. Therefore, the Smethwick end kiosk will be again closed.

Also bear in mind the roadworks around the ground are ongoing and fans are urged to travel early as usual.

Albion Blackpool preview and betting advice

Albion are considering giving Ishmail Miller his first start for over 14 months, he has made appearances but not started a game since his 13 month long injury lay off with a knee ligament injury. Miller has played in 5 games since recovering and suffered an injured ankle in between too, however, Roberto Di Matteo is considering giving him a start, although he has confirmed it will not be for the full 90 minutes.

“He just needs to work hard in training and get some minutes in the games,” said the Baggies boss.

“I don’t think he’s ready yet to last 90 minutes but at some point I’d like to throw him into the cold water and start him.

“It’s down to him.

“It depends how his attitude is and how much he wants to get that start.”

James Morrison has played 222 minutes in four games after his return from nearly a year out with a heel problem and has shown excellent promise along with being the difference between winning and sharing the points.

“I am a little surprised by how many minutes Mozza has played since returning,” he added.

“He’s not 100 per cent match fit or on top of his form yet but just the fact he’s in the team is important.

“With him the team always has a player who wants the ball and can create a chance for us or has the final pass.

“I think he will get better game after game.

“But we also have to monitor him because playing too many games in a short period of time might increase the risk of getting an injury.”

The return fixture was a 5 goal affair with Graham Dorrans scoring an 83rd minute winner at the Tangerines by way of a penalty. Blackpool are now 7th in the table, aiming for the play offs and play a very attacking game, therefore tommorows game could be quite an open affair, something Di Matteo relishes. Albion have managed a massive 84 goals this season and there is no reason why they cannot complete yet another double of the season, beating Blackpool would be 5th double of the season.

“For the neutral the last game with Blackpool was a good game to watch because there was action and goalscoring opportunities,” said the Albion boss.

“I like the way they play.

“They try to play football and play the right way.

“They create a lot of chances and have a lot of attempts on goal.

“They also give you chances as well and let’s hope they’re going to play like that when they come on Saturday, and it’s going to be an open game rather than one team trying to be positive and the other being destructive or defensive.

“I said earlier in the season they have been the surprise team this year because they have done extremely well, in my opinion.

“It’s nice to see the way they play as well.”

Albion join forces with all 72 Football League Clubs in a united week of action to raise awareness and vital funds for Help for Heroes – The Football League’s Official Charity Partner for the 2009/10 season.

Football for Heroes week is taking place from March 6-14 and showing The Football League’s support for the efforts of our Armed Forces.

The Baggies are holding their ‘Football for Heroes‘ game this weekend.

Captain Scott Carson said: “The Football League could not have picked a more worthwhile cause for its official charity.

“There’s always a lot of talk about footballers being heroes and role models.

“But the real heroes are those who go off to serve their country in the military and who have to deal with the consequences.

“It’s a very humbling experience to think we can do something, however small, to promote their cause so all the players will be delighted to play their part on Saturday.

“The charity does a lot of great work to rehabilitate members of the British Armed Forces injured in the line of duty.

“It’s easy to forget that the troops that do get hurt while fighting for the country have to get on with their lives once they return home, and any support that any of us can give them is extremely important.”

Albion and Blackpool will come out of the the players’ tunnel led by a Help for Heroes banner.

Albion have invited uniformed soldiers from West Bromwich to attend the game as VIP guests and they will form a guard of honour as the players emerge from the tunnel.

Baggies head coach Roberto Di Matteo and Blackpool boss Ian Holloway will wear Help for Heroes wristbands during the game.

Albion’s players have signed two Football League Help for Heroes balls, which will be auctioned off for the charity at a later date.

Lord Mawhinney, Chairman of The Football League, said: “The contribution being made by our armed forces around the world is both outstanding and humbling.

“As a nation, we seldom thank them enough for the sacrifices they make.

“The Football for Heroes week will provide an excellent opportunity for supporters to show their appreciation for the work they do.”

So all in all the game promises to be a cracker and have much to offer besides. Where will the sensible money be on this game?

Well the bet of the day has to be a toss up between over 2.5 goals and an Albion victory outright.

You can find all the best prices on every market here on our All Best WBA Match Odds

West Brom Sheffield Wednesday Preview

The Baggies need to bounce back to winning ways tonight to get the boing back in their promotion struggle. Having beaten the Owls by 4 goals to nil earlier in the season in the away fixture of this game, there is nothing that suggests this being other than a home win, however, Albion don’t to things normally or the easy way so who knows.

Roman Bednar will not be playing tonight, Simon Cox is a doubt with a back injury picked up against QPR in Saturdays defeat when he was stretchered off near the end of the game, however Ishmael Miller may just make it in to the team. Roberto Di Matteo had this to say about Miller today:

“I’ve been thinking about Ishmael,” the head coach said.

“He hasn’t got 90 minutes in his legs yet, I know that.

“So we will have to see.

“But I do think he has the attributes to play the lone striker role.

“I’ve been pleased with him but he’s had a difficult time with his knee.

“He got back in the team and was trying to find his form, then he had a knock-back.

“You add that to the previous injury and you have to pull up your sleeves and start again.

“It’s been a frustrating time for him.”

So it seems that even if Miller does play, it will not be for the full ninety minutes, so who will play in his absense?

Speaking of Scott Carsons blunder gifting an early goal to QPR on Saturday Di Matteo said:

“I remember when Buffon had a bit of a dodgy time and Buffon was one of the best keepers in the world at the time, a few years back now.

“It happens. You can have a bad game and as a keeper you are exposed.

“Scott is not green behind the ears and he just has to react, get over it, put it right and be mentally strong for the next game.”

So the keeper seems safe in his position, even though he has been involved in all manner of errors and mix ups this season, testament to his generally solid performances on the whole it seems. Scott Carson is surely one of the players that has made up this promotion chasing side what it is today.

Giles Barnes will also be chomping at the bit now and looking for his debut at long last after getting back to full fitness.

West Brom have to be the banker bet of the day and odds are best at Bet 365 at 4-9 on an Albion win. Good news really as the West Brom Blog have secured all our guests a great £200 set of free money when signing up at Bet 365 from here.

You will find all of the current odds on most of the markets updated live as you read them here on our All Best WBA Match Odds page

Albions final away game versus Palace moved for TV

The final game of the season for the Baggies was to due be Crystal Palace away at Selhurst Park on Sat 24th April, however, due to SKY tv it has now been moved to the following Monday, 26th April.

This will most likely upset all travelling Albion fans as traditionally the Baggies faithful travel to the last game in a theme. The last game normally see’s Baggies fans dressed to represent a player or some other occassion and in the past there have been Vikings to show support of a scandinavian player at the time, togas and all other manner of guises.

Making this a midweek evening game will likely cause disruption to this event for the last game, however, hopefully many fans will still be able to make it and continue in the tradition.

Albion Support Chile Earthquake Appeal

West Bromwich Albion are again jumping to support of another disaster with their shirt sponsorship deals. The home game tommorrow against the Owls will see the Baggies players sporting the “Help Chile” loga along with the British Red Cross website address. A very likely scenario it was too, especially when you remeber that the Albion have 1 Chilean player on their books in the name of Gonzalo Jara who was recuperating from injury back jome in Chile when the quake struck.

The Albion are urging fans to also make donations via the Red Cross site.

Jara, injured and out for the season with a broken metatarsal, was in Santiago when the massive earthquake, measuring 8.8 on the Richter scale, struck his homeland nine days ago. He joined the Baggies from Chilean club Colo Colo last August, when the quake struck he had to evacuate his wife and children from their flat to a nearby park.

Albion are now throwing their weight behind the work of the British Red Cross, which is working hand in hand with the Chilean Red Cross to provide relief to the disaster-struck country.

Having successfully raised awareness of, and funds for, the DEC’S Haiti Appeal by adding supportive logos to the players’ shirts at Newcastle in January, Albion have now donated the same advertising space to the Chilean aid effort.

All 18 shirts used for tommorows match will be auctioned of by the club on their website, with all proceeds going, at Jara’s request, directly to Talcahuano, where the military have been called in to help stricken locals.

Jara has also played his part in helping his fellow countrymen by appearing on a 24-hour fundraising Telethon on national TV in Chile.

“When we heard about the earthquake, we were greatly concerned about the well being of Gonzalo and his family and were relieved to hear they are safe,” said Albion Chairman Jeremy Peace.

“The fact one of our own players is at the scene of the earthquake and that his close family has been affected by it has brought this tragedy closer to home – and we wanted to play our part in raising funds for the aid effort.

“We have again decided to utilise the flexible nature of our shirt sponsorship, which we hope will encourage people to support the work of the Red Cross in the region.

“Gonzalo has also asked the Club to pledge any funds raised to the relief work being undertaken in his home city of Talcahuano, which we are only too happy to do.”

Caroline Leighton, Red Cross operations director for Staffordshire, Warwickshire and the West Midlands, said: “We are grateful to West Bromwich Albion for highlighting our appeal as help is still desperately needed in Chile.

“We have already released £50,000 from our Disaster Fund to help with the initial response, but more will be needed as the true extent of the disaster becomes clear.

“Just £30 could buy hygiene kits for ten people and £10 could buy five jerry cans for storing and carrying water.

“Donations of any amount will make a difference so thanks, in advance, to the supporters for their help.”

Albion raised £25,000 for the DEC Haiti Appeal via a similar shirt auction and Club donation in January.

The Red Cross is assisting the people of Chile with search and rescue and medical assistance plus basic amenities like water, sanitation and shelter – but the needs are great.

The Chilean Red Cross is working on the ground in partnership with emergency services, carrying out search and rescue operations and damage assessments, and giving medical assistance where necessary.

To make a donation visit: redcross.org.uk, call 0845 054 7201 or send a cheque, made payable to the British Red Cross, to: Chile Earthquake Appeal, British Red Cross, 44 Moorfields, London, EC2Y 9AL.

Morrison, Reid, Mulumbu and Cox in Albion QPR starting lineup

Morrison makes his first start for over 10 months today at QPR. Albion boss Di Matteo makes 4 changes to the team that beat Derby Last week.

Steven Reid comes straight in after joining on loan mid week, he gets the right back position.

Youssouf Mulumbu and Simon Cox return to the team and Ben Watson plays against his old team mates.

Abdoulaye Meite, Robert Koren and Graham Dorrans, who all played 90 minutes for their respective countries in midweek, and Luke Moore are the guys that drop to the bench.

Ishmael Miller is among the substitutes but there is no place for Giles Barnes.

Ex-Baggies loan signing Jay Simpson starts in attack for Rangers.

QPR (4-4-2): Ikeme; Connolly, Stewart, Gorkss, Hill; Leigertwood, Taarabt, Ephraim, Faurlin; Priskin, Simpson. Subs: Cerny (gk), Ramage, Vine, Buzsaky, Balanta, Borrowdale, German.

ALBION (4-5-1): Carson; Reid, Tamas, Olsson, Cech; Brunt, Mulumbu, Morrison, Watson, Thomas; Cox. Subs: Kiely (gk), Koren, Dorrans, Meite, Mattock, Moore, Miller.

REFEREE: S Attwell (Warwickshire).

QPR West Brom Preview – Baggies March On

It is the first game of March for the Albion, and March could be the operative word!

West Brom stuttered a little in February, however, highly obviously down somewhat to the amount of games they had to play. 8 games were played in just 25 days, including the FA Cup double header versus Reading. In the league the Albion won 4 lost 1 drew 1, but would surely have won all had they not been so tired. Now the Albion are expected to March on in to battle, they have not to play a game every 3 days like February. A March it could well be, facing Warnock, could today be another battle? Surely not like the Battle of Bramall Lane, although when it comes to Neil Warnock who knows, anything could happen.

New Queens Park Rangers boss Neil Warnock, the former Crystal Palace boss took over the reins on Tuesday and would likely do anything to beat the Baggies, he would like nothing better than to kick off with a win.

Roberto Di Matteo will not want to gap at the top to develop any further than 6 points, so Albion will be out to win this and spoil Warnock’s party.

Warnock will check on the fitness of Lee Cook, Matt Connolly and Kaspars Gorkss ahead of the game.

Winger Cook has been struggling with a cold this week and defender Connolly has an ankle injury.

Centre-half Gorkss has also not trained this week after picking up a knock and all three are battling to be fit to face the second-placed Baggies.

Warnock will be hoping playmaker Akos Buzsaky returns from international duty with Hungary in one piece.

Strikers Tamas Priskin (groin) and Marcus Bent (hamstring) should be fit but teenager Antonio German could keep his place after signing a new contract this week.

Midfielders Gavin Mahon and Martin Rowlands remain long-term absentees with knee injuries.

Roman Bednar will most likely be missing as his groin injury is not responding as would be liked, although the Baggies can score without him as was showed last week when they knocked 3 past Derby.

Good news on the Baggies front is of course the news that Ishmael Miller will be available and he is a likely starter. Another surprise and more likely to start than Miller is Giles Barnes, the lad has recovered much faster than expected and played a full ninety minutes in the reserve game against Walsall midweek.

Chris Brunt has recovered from the injury that kept him out of the Northern Ireland team midweek and he like all the other internationals are all available too. It remains to be seen, however, those that had international games could be rested in favour of the players who have had a full weeks rest. This becomes more apparent when you consider how many games were played in February and the drop in form that a few players and the coaching staff have blamed on tiredness.

Steven Reid returns to QPR wearing blue n white stripes as opposed to the blue and white hoops he wore when on loan there earlier in the season, he could well be another starter today.

So, all things considered, Albion should march on today and kick March of to a perfect start. They will have no excuses and should easily brush QPR aside.

You can get a great 11-10 on the Albion with Sky today and West Brom blog has secured you a free £10 matched bet if you open a new account there.

Follow this link to Sky Bet for Championship Betting, you will get a free tenner matched bet.

Albion Sign Blackburn Midfielder Steven Reid

West Brom today completed the loan signing of Blackburn midfielder Steven Reid on an initial month’s loan.

An Ireland international, he plays at either Right Back, right midfield or central midfield and arrives just in time to be able to play in the QPR game tomorrow.

Reid, 29 on Wednesday, will also be available for Albion’s following seven games against Sheffield Wednesday, Blackpool, Swansea, Preston, Coventry, Reading and Leicester.

Albion Boss Roberto Di Matteo said: “Steven is an exciting player and I’m delighted to welcome him to the club.

“We’ve been looking to strengthen our squad for the final push and Steven certainly fits the bill.

“He’s a versatile player with loads of experience.

“We’ve had some great references about Steven so hopefully he’ll perform at the level we expect him to.”

Reid has been at Ewood Park for 7 years, at 6ft 1in Reid has underlined his value by being a regular player all this time and operated in various positions

He won Blackburn’s goal-of-the-season award in 2005/06 thanks to his thunderbolt at Wigan.

Dorran’s Starts for Scotland

Young Graham Dorrans gets a place in the starting line up for Craig Levein tonight.

Hampden Park is the venue for a visit from the Czech Republic tonight for the Scotland friendly game.

James McFadden has an injured groin and failed a fitness test today so the Baggies starlet comes in to replace him, joining Kenny Miller up front.

Dorrans who is the centre of a transfer frenzy beginning to bubble over, starts a Full Scotland game for the first time.

With some of the big Premier clubs openly tracking him, it seems likely that even if the Albion gain promotion, that it may not be possible to hold on to him. Arsenal are suggested to be ready to table a £6 million pound bid, with Manchester City, Aston Villa and Sunderland all showing much interest. All this after the Albion added a year to his contract this season, putting him under contract to the club for the best part of 5 years.

The youngster has up until now been tight lipped about the rumours, his form certainly has not been affected by it.

Free Baggies Bus Returns

West Brom are due to return the support shown to them again soon with the return of the free travel to an away game. There will be up to 40 free supporters coaches on offer for the trip to Reading on Saturday March 27th.

This is free travel for around 2000 fans to the game and will no doubt add to the chances of a sell out for the game along with massive support. In previous times of free coaches the Baggies have won 3 of the 8 games they involved over the last 7 seasons.

Albion chief executive Mark Jenkins said: “The supporters have once again been brilliant on our away trips this season.

“The backing they have given the team is appreciated by everyone at the club.

“As a thank you to the travelling fans, who go everywhere in big numbers, we are laying on free coaches to a game for the seventh successive season.”

There are 2000 tickets available for the game at the Madjeski, season ticket holders and members will be charged £22.50, £16.50 seniors and seven to 21 year olds, and £11.50 juniors.

None members or season ticket holders can add £2 to the price.

The club are saying that supporters should hurry to book coaches to save disappointment, however, we are not sure why this may be as you cannot by your coach seat unless you have already purchased your match ticket. Maybe it is to make sure that there are no surplus coaches booked?

Match tickets are now on sale to away season ticket holders via internet, phone and in person and the same options are available for booking your coach travel too.

Normal season ticket holders can buy from Wed the 10th online and then from the following Saturday by phone or in person. Members will be allowed to buy tickets from Thursday March 22nd, then they will go on general sale from Monday March 22nd.

Out of favour Zuiverloon to be replaced

Albion manager Roberto Di Matteo has finally lost patience with Gianni Zuiverloon after his recent mistakes, including keepie uppie to allow Reading to score a 9 second goal in the FA Cap tie at the Madjeski Stadium.

The Dutchman defender, axed from the squad to face Derby on Saturday is guilty of many poor mistakes recently, although, shows excellent skills at the same time. Perhaps he needs a spell in the reserves to help him book his ideas up, however, whatever happens, Di Matteo seems certainly to be looking for his replacement short term at least.

Head coach Di Matteo played central defender Gabriel Tamas as an emergency stand-in against The Rams.

Assistant boss Eddie Newton said:

“It’s a situation we’re looking at and we’ve got a week now, so we can work on it and maybe look to bring someone in.

“Gabriel has played there quite often at his previous clubs and he is comfortable in the position but he was extremely tired on Saturday. He was on his last legs. He has been doing so much since he came here and he is really tired.

“We asked him to do a job and it wasn’t an easy job because Stephen Pearson is a workaholic. Tamas struggled a little bit in the earlier part of the game, but in the latter part I thought he dealt with it really well.

“He coped with certain situations and he has filled in and done a great job for us.”

Di Matteo, it is rumoured, is looking for a long term loan this week to replace him.

The former Heerenveen man was not even a substitute on Saturday after his dismal display during the home defeat to Reading.

Newton talking about international players this week said:

“We’ve got 10 internationals going away. Hopefully the international managers will see fit to rest them in training so they recover a little bit – and I’m sure they will.

“We’ve got a little bit of a rest. We’ve got a lot of European boys so we’ve sent them home to see their families for a few days.

“They’ve got the opportunity so everyone can get away from the club just to have a rest away from football. Then we’re going to come back and gear up for the last push until the end of the season.”

Olsson in the wars again …

Eddie Newton has been amongst a handful of people to defend Albion vice captain Jonas Olsson after he was caught up in yet another disagreement with fans during Saturdays victory over Derby County.

The Swedish defender made a hand gesture towards the Brummie Road contingent, some say it was a 2 fingered gesture, however, Olsson says it was just a thumbs down. This occurred during the first half when Olsson and Carson had a bit of a defensive clearance mix up. Many forums around the internet have reference to this and there are conflicting reports of what happened, in the main, most fans are showing their displeasure.

Assistant manager Newton has claimed that Olsson’s reaction was one of frustration and anger, rather than malice and felt it was instinctive.

“Jonas is a hell of a character,” said Newton.

“I fall out with him on a daily basis because Jonas is very highly spirited.

“For the main part of the game the fans were fantastic.

“Everyone gets frustrated, fans get frustrated, players get frustrated.

“It’s nothing really. Jonas wants to win, he wants perfection and when it’s going wrong he gets agitated. He’s a human being.

“We all react silly sometimes but he’s a human being.”

Olsson was recently involved in a shouting match with travelling fans after the draw at Coventry earlier this season.

West Brom Reading FA Cup Replay Preview

The Baggies went out on penalty’s against Middlesbrough at this stage of the FA Cup just 3 seasons ago and Roberto Di Matteo is making sure as best as he can that this does not happen again tonight.

“We have practised penalties even though it’s not the same on the training ground as when you go into a game and you have to do it in front of 20,000 and the pressure is on,” said the Albion boss.

“By now I know the character of my players and I have a good idea of which ones I would like to take penalties, if it goes that far.”

Players that may return tonight include James Morrisson and Marek Cech, both fit again although Morrisson clearly lacking in match practice after 10 months out.

Giles Barnes will still play no part as he is not quite fit yet, Ishmael Miller still has an injured ankle, Jerome Thomas has another game where he is banned, then the 2 loan players Frank Nouble and Ben Watson are cup tied.

Di Matteo has said “We have to take into consideration that Cech has been out for three weeks and Morrison for ten months.

“But it’s good to have some players back.

“Morrison’s been doing well but competitive games are completely different.

“The fact he has been out of the game for a long time means we have to be careful with him.

“Barnes is getting closer but he’s not in the frame for tomorrow.

“It’s hard for me to say when Giles and Ishmael Miller will be back.”

At the Madejski Stadium 2 weeks back the Albion came from behind twice and the late equaliser was very cruel on Reading, however, with a home tie in the quarter finals up for grabs at against Aston Villa or Crystal Palace the Baggies are surely going to be well up for this game.

Roman Bednar should keep his shirt and Abdoulaye Meite who was an unused substitute on Sunday in the defeat at Bristol City may get a recall.

Another player likely to keep his place tonight will be the in form Albion defender Jonas Olsson , he is over the moon at getting his first ever call up to the Sweden national team.

His top notch Baggies performances have seen him with just rewards, a place against Wales in Swansea next Wednesday.

Olsson won 25 caps at under-21 level but an appearance at the Liberty Stadium would be his first full cap.

The former NEC Nijmegen centre-back said: “Since I moved to England I have developed in the right direction.

“I feel that I have come to a country whose football suits me, and I have grown with the task.

“It is very nice to have a chance in the ‘big’ team. I’ve played some under-21 games before and to pull on the national team jersey is special and it makes me happy.”

Reading Replay Ticket Update

Tickets are now on general sale for the Reading replay tomorrow night and available from the club ticket office.

Albion have reduced the prices for the game as follows:

£20 adults, £15 seniors/under-18s/students and £10 juniors.

Watson Arrives For The Season

Wigan midfielder Ben Watson has now arrived at the Hawthorns for the rest of the season in what could be the first of a few season long loans to come.

Watson will be unable to play in the Reading FA Cup replay as like Nouble he is cup tied, however, will be available for the visit of Derby on Saturday.

Baggies head coach Roberto Di Matteo said: “Having lost Gonzalo Jara for the remainder of the season to injury, we have been looking to strengthen the central midfield area and we are very pleased that he has joined us.

“Ben is very good technically and is a competitive player who knows the Championship very well. He has played many times at this level and knows what is required, which should help him to hit the ground running.”

Wigan have added a clause to the loan, allowing them to recall at 24 hours notice any time after Albion play Coventry on the 24th of March.

Watson comes to the Albion after spending a good while on loan at QPR, making 16 appearances and scoring twice.

Starting his career at Crystal Palace, he debuted at the age of 17 and made 169 appearances for the South London club, scoring 18 times.

Wigan battled for the young players signature, beating Middlesbrough to land him, he cost £2 million but has only made 7 appearances.

Watson has played just 33 minutes for the Latics since ereturning from QPR in December and is raring to go.

He said: “I was called back from my loan and told I would get a chance to play at Wigan, but I’ve only played half an hour in six weeks so it has been frustrating.

“That’s not what I want. I am at an age where I need to be playing first-team football and when the chance came to come to Albion I didn’t need any persuading at all.

“It’s frustrating that I can’t play in the game tonight against Reading, but I’m cup-tied, so I will raring to go against Derby if I get a chance on Saturday.”

Bristol City Albion Team Sheet Bednar Starts

For this live televised game the Albion have rung the changes yet again.

Bednar returns and Youssouf Mulumbu is back from suspension, these are the only two changes.

Luke Moore and Andy Slory are the casualty’s who drop to the bench, Abdoulaye Meite is now fit and another one of the substitutes.

Gary Johnson names an unchanged Robins team to the one that drew 1-1 at home to Leicester five days ago.

BRISTOL (4-4-2): Gerken, Nyatanga, Carey, Orr, Fontaine, Skuse, Elliott, Johnson, Clarkson, Haynes, Iwelumo. Subs: Collis, Maynard, Hartley, Williams, Sproule, Plummer, Edwards.

ALBION (4-5-1): Carson, Zuiverloon, Tamas, Olsson, Mattock, Brunt, Koren, Mulumbu, Dorrans, Nouble, Bednar. Subs: Kiely, Slory, Moore, Cox, Meite, Thorne, Wood.

Referee: N Swarbrick (Lancs).

Keep The Albion Tradition Alive And Vote For Player Of The Year.

In the 5 years since the Football League Awards in association with FourFourTwo have been around, Albion have had 2 winners. The awards are designed to reward players from the world’s oldest league competition and voting is by fans and not players or staff so they are seen as the true awards in the game.

FourFourTwo are also using the awards to help compile their top 50 players in the Coca Cola league so not only can an Albion player get an award, however, they can also get in the top fifty list.

In the 5 years, of which the Albion have only been in the Championship for 2 of them, we have seen 2 awards come to the Albion, kevin Phillips and Jason koumas. So lets get voting and try for a hat trick.

You can go ahead and vote for any of the players in the list or add your own choice if desired, however, to make sure that an award comes to the Albion perhaps some strategic voting is required.

The current list is shown below:

Chris Brunt
Gianni Zuiverloon
Graham Dorrans
Jerome Thomas
Joe Mattock
Jonas Olsson
Simon Cox
Youssuf Mulumbu

We here are voting for Graham Dorrans, who will you vote for?

Vote Now

Facebook Page where we start our Dorrans campaign.

Bristol City West Brom Preview

West Brom may or may not have Bednar available tomorrow dependant on a late fitness test, it remains to be seen whether his back injury has cleared up. James Morrison (heel), Jerome Thomas (suspension), Gonzalo Jara (foot) and Ishmael Miller (ankle) are all unavailable to boss Roberto Di Matteo.

Bristol City have won only one in eleven of their last Championship games and are looking quite an easy task, however, a home draw against Leicester City resulted in manager Gary Johnson praising his players along with the fans, whom he said were getting right behind the team. They are due to break this bad streak and as the games go on they get closer and closer to doing so. Every dog has their day and Albion manager Di Matteo will be warning his players to be wary.

There has been quite an atmosphere and much unrest at Ashton Gate for the last few months, with them going from near the play off’s to near the drop.

Add the bad form of Bristol City and the fact that Albion are the best travelled club in the championship, most will expect to see an away win, this is shown in the fact that Albion are odd’s on with most bookies. Albion have gained more points away from home, losing only to Barnsley this term and are the Championships form club this month too.

The only evidence against the Albion winning this with ease is the injury problems that have befallen them, oh and of course the amount of games that they have had to play this month.

A good bet would seem Albion to come from behind as this has been the way of late, added to the fact that almost all of goals scored against city have come in the last ten minutes.

On Betfair you can get 33-1 on Bristol leading at half time with the Albion winning the match. Updated prices are shown here on our live WBA odds comparison page.

If Bristol City were to win this game, it will be the first time in 15 years.

The last two games between the 2 have seen the Albion 4 to 1 victors.

David Clarkson is the only Bristol City player to have scored in the last 540 minutes of league football.

This will be the 4 double of the season if the Baggies win.

9 First team players were missing at Cardiff, however, heading down the M5 again will not see the Albion so short.

Midfielder Youssouf Mulumbu will be available after playing out his suspension, although Jerome thomas is still with 2 games left of his ban. Giles Barnes played well midweek for the reserves, however, the club report he is not yet fit enough for first team action so is unlikely to figure.

So the team sheet will be interesting tomorrow, however, there is likely to be 18 players available unlike Tuesdays game when Bednar had to sit on the bench even though he was never going to get on the pitch.

Dorrans Centre Of Transfer Rumours

The Sunday Mirror are claiming that Graham Dorrans will be leaving the Hawthorns this summer. Both North East teams Newcastle United and Sunderland are supposedly lining up summer offers for the young Albion Star.

They are not the only teams in the running either if the rumour mill is to be believed. Manchester City scouts were spotted at the Hawthorns last home game against Scunthorpe and seemingly keeping tabs too. Another team that will no doubt renew their interest is ex Albion chief, Tony Mowbrays Celtic, who already made enquiries in the summer. Mowbray was the architect of Dorrans move to the Hawthorns in the beginning. This saw the Albion adding an extra 12 months to the players contract which was already for 4 years with a years option, showing how keen the club are to hold on to one of their most talented players.

It is also suggested that local rivals Villa and Birmingham are also looking to try their luck at recruiting the player, who cost as little as £100,000.

The very fact that the Albion extended the contract added to the fact that the Premiership looms on the horizon would lend the most intelligent to believe that the Albion will, be unwilling to let the player go without a struggle. Although as is the norm for the Hawthorns, money talks and the right offer could trigger a departure.

SBOBET are the latest company on Albion’s unique short term shirt sponsorship deals

Seems that every time the Albion appear n television they get a new recruit for their one of shirt sponsorship deals. SBOBET being the latest for Sunday’s televised trip to Bristol City.

SBOBET are an online betting company and their brand will be seen on the player’s shirts for what could be one of the biggest audience’s for a Baggies game on television, due to the fact it is being shown Sunday afternoon on BBC1.

Sales & Marketing Director Adrian Wright along with Head of Partnerships David Colesby are over the moon to have got the signature from SBOBET, they are hoping it will be the start of a longterm business deal.

SBOBET join what is becoming a long list now, holding others such as Blue Square, Victor Chandler and Esprit.

The last time the club had a shirt motiff was the Haiti Earthquake Appeal at Newcastle last month.

Wright said: “We’re delighted to welcome SBOBET on board for Sunday’s game.

“Our one-off shirt sponsorships are proving very popular and have provided a tangible return for the companies we have worked with so far.

“Analysis provided by Repucom illustrates that the return in media value has been more than ten times their initial investment.”

Bill Mummery, SBOBET’s Executive Director, added: “We like the Albion business model and this is an ideal opportunity for us to extend our television reach whilst testing the effectiveness of Albion’s approach.

“We are a leading global sports betting brand, a positioning which we plan to repeat in the UK.

“Football and television are playing a significant role in us achieving this goal.”

Albion have done reasonably well for single shirt sponsorships, however, will no doubt be looking to get an official sponsor next season.

Should the club be promoted, they will not be allowed to offer single match sponsorship under Premier League rules.

Do Newcastle Want Koumas Just To Spite The Baggies?

Jason Koumas is apparently subject of a battle between at least Albion and Newcastle for his loan services. Albion have been working very hard to bring in some loan cover and it has been heavily catalogued that Jason Koumas was top of the list. Now it seems that just as the day arrives that would be perfect for season end loans and the Albion are likely to try to finalise a deal, Newcastle suddenly appear trying to gazump them.

Could they simply be after Koumas to save him from going to the Albion? Do they really need his services? With Koumas in the ranks, the Albion could easily expect to finish the run in on great form, are Newcastle scared that this would be enough to land Albion the title?

The Baggies seem to have struggled up to now to get anywhere with premiership clubs in the race to bolster an injury riddled team. It is looking more and more unlikely that the Albion will secure any loan player services in time for the trip to Ashton Gate.

Koumas is certainly available, Latics boss Roberto Martinez has confirmed that they will listen to any offers.

Victor Moses was the last player that Newcastle and Albion fought to sign, they both lost out the, who will win this time? Does Koumas really want to make the move to either anyway? There have been no comments from him on either team, or even a loan move in general.

Defence is another section of the pitch that Albion are struggling in, perhaps the struggle for loan signings may head this direction now too. Giles Barnes is getting closer to full fitness and Jerome Thomas has just 2 games of suspension left, so midfield will hopefully be the least weaker position within a week.

In the opposite direction, Marcus Haber has gone out on loan to League One Exeter for an initial month’s loan.

The 21 yr old striker who signed from Vancouver Whitecaps last month, will most probably make his debut in the Grecians’ home game against Stockport on Saturday.

Quarter finals to be televised.

Whoever wins the replay between Albion and Reading this time next week will play either Villa or Palace on Sunday, March 7 (ko 1.45pm).

Will it be a live televised game on Sunday March 7th from the Hawthorns or the Madjeski?

All FA Cup quarter final games will be screened live on ITV1.

Here are the times and dates for each game.

Saturday, March 6

Portsmouth v Blues (ko 12.30pm)

Fulham v Bolton or Tottenham (ko 5.20pm)

Sunday, March 7

Reading or West Brom v Crystal Palace or Villa (ko 1.45pm)

Chelsea v Manchester City or Stoke (ko 4pm)

Cardiff West Brom team sheets

ROBERTO Di Matteo has been forced in to four changes tonight for the trip to Cardiff.

With 9 players unavailable, Roman Bednar is the newest casualty, a back injury the fault there. He makes the bench but is an unlikely participant.

Slory will hopefully get past the warm up tonight, make his full debut and join other new faces to the team sheet, namely, Gabriel Tamas, Frank Nouble and Luke Moore.

The benched Simon Cox, ends up on the bench.

Academy players Sam Mantom and Kayleden Brown, plus 19-year-old rookie midfielder Joss Labadie, are among the subs.

Cardiff are unchanged.

CARDIFF (4-4-2): Marshall, McNaughton, Gyepes, Gerrard, Kennedy, Burke, Rae, Wildig, Whittingham, Chopra, Bothroyd. Subs: Enckelman, Quinn, Taiwo, Blake, Feeney, Matthews, McCormack.

ALBION (4-5-1): Carson, Zuiverloon, Tamas, Olsson, Mattock, Slory, Koren, Dorrans, Brunt, Nouble, Moore. Subs: Kiely, Bednar, Cox, Brown, Wood, Mantom, Labadie.

Ref: A Woolmer (Northamptonshire).

Cardiff West Brom Preview

Away to promotion rivals Cardiff and the Albion squad is as short as little is to large. No less than 7 first team regulars are missing and Di Matteo will be forced into yet more changes, having to draft in even more youth’ and be preying for 150% from his men.

He has included 17 yr old Academy starlets Sam Mantom and Kayleden Brown in the squad travelling to Sth Wales, drafting in 19 yr old midfielder Joss Labadie too, who has just returned from loan at Cheltenham.

Di Matteo says:

“We have shown lots of fighting spirit during the season and it’s our philosophy to never give up,”

“We will be competitive tonight, for sure, and I am 100 per cent certain that the players that go out onto the pitch will give everything they have.

“I am trying to be positive.

“We have some problems but we’ll try to cope with them.

“It’s not the end of the world and we could be worse off.

“We have shown real spirit during the season and we never give up.

“I am looking at tonight and thinking ‘interesting’!

Albion’s inaugural trip to Cardiff’s new stadium tonight, pairs the top and second top scorers together so could be a right firecracker of a game. Especially when you consider, Scott Carson was sent off and refuses to forgive Chopra. Chopra on the other hand has admitted that he will continue to provoce ugly scenes as it the only way he knows how.

Cardiff were mauled big style 2 games back by the toon, however, returned to winning ways when beating bottom half club Peterborough.

Making a return tonight must be Frank Nouble, who missed reading due to being cup tied.

“It’s fantastic to have Frank back,” added Di Matteo.

Cardiff will be looking to take a stronger grip on a play off place, whilst the Albion will be looking to break even further clear of Nott’s Forest whom they have points and a game in hand over.

X-rays showing the Chile defender Jara, has fractured a metatarsal in his right foot, he is no doubtful to play again this season. Defender Abdoulaye Meite is out with an ankle injury, while winger Andy Slory is to be missing with an achilles injury. Di Matteo will be also without Youssouf Mulumbu and Jerome Thomaswho are serving suspensions, Marek Cech with a hamstring injury, Ishmael Miller with another ankle injury and both long term injured players, James Morrison and Giles Barnes with heel and achilles injuries respectively.

So a great bet on tonight’s game could well be over on the goals market, bearing in mind the teams scoring more goals than anyone else in the division.

Sky Bet are offering you a £10 Free Matched Bet and have odds of 5/6 on over two and a half goals.

They go 6/5 on the draw and 15/8 on a Cardiff victory, however an Albion win is 11/5, now that is an excellent price considering the Albion’s away record this season.

Bet 365 are offering 5/6 on both teams to score at any point in the game. They are also offering a special too, Roman Bednar to score first in a 2 all draw is offered at 75 – 1.

Cardiff tickets latest.

Ticket sales at the Hawthorns box office for tonight’s visit to Cardiff are now finished, they did so at 1pm, however, there will be a certain amount of tickets on sale at the away ticket office at the Cardiff City Stadium.

Cardiff have told club that any Albion fans buying tickets at the ground “will be vetted by police before they are allowed entry into the stadium”.

Having already sold over 1200 tickets there will be a decent crowd tonight, however, it is likely that it will not be a sell out. Prices are £26 for adults and £15 for seniors & juniors.

Jerome Thomas gets a further ban

Jerome Thomas faced an FA disciplinary hearing this morning and was handed a further 1 match to his already long 4 match ban.

Albion legal director Darren Eales was at Wembley with Thomas who had to face a fresh charge of violent conduct for his actions after the red card at Plymouth.

Having already served 2 games of the now 5 game ban he will be available a week Saturday, quite soon really, however testament to the amount of games needed to be played in such a short time. This will allow him to play in the Derby game in just 11 days.

The games he will miss are Cardiff tonight, Bristol City and next week’s FA Cup fifth-round replay against Reading.

No team is Odds on for the Championship

With the title race still wide open there are some winning odds available on the eventual winners of the Championship.

On the Betfair exchange you can still get 2.6 on the Baggies with leaders Newcastle still on offer at 2.1 so if you think it is between these two teams you cannot go wrong by backing both. Fancy Forest’s chances of beating both the Albion and the Toon to the title? Well they are on offer at 8, so there is a massive return available for you there.

Newcastle are 1.02 and 1.03 respectively to manage a top 6 finish so those of you with a large fund available and looking for a return could do so with that market. Forest are almost evens to make the same top 6 finish too, so maybe your funds are worth placing there?

Promotion wise, Albion, Newcastle and Forest are 1.42, 1.3 and 2.58 with the 2 Welsh teams Cardiff and Swansea at 5.9 and 5.6.

If you are looking the other direction, you can always lay Newcastle in the title race at 2.12.

These odds are very fluid and trading opportunity’s will appear on and off as the days and weeks progress. Have you the nerve and the skill to trade these teams during the run in?

Sign up with Betfair to take advantage of these betting exchange odds and get your free £25 for signing up.

The trip to Cardiff also offers a few different bets, Cardiff are 2.92, Albion 2.62 anf 3.4 the draw is offered. You can get 10′s on an Albion single goal victory and 27′s on a 3 to 1 win, with west brom to win both halfs at 4.5.

Reading FA Cup replay tickets info

Tickets for the Reading replay next Wednesday are on sale to season ticket holders and members now.

Albion seem intent on getting a bumper crowd and have reduced ticket prices for the tie, although the reductions are more for season ticket holders than not.

The prices for season ticket holders are £15 adults, £10 seniors/under-18s/students and £5 juniors and for non season ticket holders are as follows, £20 adults, £15 seniors/under-18s/students and £10 juniors.

Seat tickets are now on sale and will go on general sale from 9AM Saturday morning, you may purchase your tickets online, by phone or from the Hawthorns ticket office.

Any season ticket holder not purchasing their ticket by Friday 4PM will lose the right to their seat.

Their will be no relocation for Smethwick end fans as Reading have only been allowed an allocation of 2800 tickets, this was on their own request.

FA Cup draw may match Albion and Villa

This afternoon’s FA Cup draw see’s the possibility of the Baggies facing local rivals Aston Villa at the Hawthorns.

Still two games need to be settled, however, should Villa and Albion both progress to the quarter finals they will be paired against each other.

After an entertaining draw today, Villa need to replay against Crystal Palace and then the result of that will see them play the winners out of next Wednesday’s Albion, Reading replay.

Chelsea face Manchester City or Stoke in the quarter-finals. The reigning champions easily beat Cardiff City 4-1 yesterday to make the next round and they will host either City or the Potters, who played out a 1-1 draw at Eastlands last night.

Elsewhere, Portsmouth will face Birmingham while Fulham meet Bolton or Tottenham.

FA Cup quarter-final draw:

Chelsea v Manchester City or Stoke

Fulham v Bolton or Tottenham

Reading or West Brom v Crystal Palace or Aston Villa

Portsmouth v Birmingham

Ties to be played on the weekend of March 6 and 7.

Di Matteo’s selection headaches growing and growing

Roberto Di Matteo’s selection headaches have mounted tonight after Albion’s 4th game in under two weeks and 5th game in a fortnight. There are now another 3 games to come in the next 10 days too, including the FA Cup replay scheduled for Wednesday 24th.

Andy Slory should have started today, however, limped out of the pre match warm up with an Achilles injury so the Dutchman may be out for a while.

Gonzalo Jara, needed five stitches to a foot injury after todays game at Reading and Abdoulaye Meite was also forced of the Madejski Stadium pitch with an ankle injury.

Di Matteo is now going to have major concerns for the trip to Cardiff Tuesday night, what with these 3 injuries today and the existing injury list consisting of Marek Cech (hamstring), Ishmael Miller (ankle) and James Morrison (heel). Then of course we have Jerome Thomas with 3 matches left on his ban and a longer ban possible when he faces an FA charge. Now there is also Mulumbu banned for 2 games too, after this afternoons sending of for a second bookable offence.

“The number of games we’re playing is very demanding and I’m a bit sad because we’ve lost Jara to injury, Meite had to be taken off and Mulumbu is now suspended,” said Di Matteo.

“I already had a big injury list back home, so that’s a bit of a downside.

“I’ll have to assess the situation and then we’ll see what we have to do.

“Before today’s game, I already had five players out.

“Jara needed five stitches and we’ll have to wait and see on Meite’s injury – but hopefully it’s not too bad.”

Starting line up at Reading – Slory starts.

Simon Cox today returns to his home town club Reading where his career started, he joined the Royals aged nine and worked up through the ranks before making his League Cup debut at Luton in September 2005. He will be so happy that he has been handing a starting position.

Hopes are high with Baggies fans today, especially as the Albion have been quite successful in the FA Cup in recent years, reaching a Wembley semi final most recently.

Pointers for more success include the fact that Reading have not got passed this stage of the cup for 83 years.

Albion have the best away record in the country and are the championships highest scoring team.

The players want the cup run and are hungry for a trophy.

Reading on the other hand have beaten premiership opposition twice, both Liverpool and Burnley have fallen to reading.

Reading have won 4 of their last five games and beat Albion in the last FA Cup meeting between the 2 teams.

Andy Slory gets his full Albion debut, Roberto Di Matteo makes four changes to the victoriuos Scunthorpe team.

The Dutch winger gets the cup-tied Frank Nouble ‘s position.

Gianni Zuiverloon and Abdoulaye Meite come in, with Gonzalo Jara pushed into central midfield and Gabriel Tamas rested.

Youssouf Mulumbu and Robert Koren also meet the bench as Simon Cox comes in to the team.

Youth Sam Mantom, just 18 next Saturday, is handed an early birthday present as he is named among the subs.

Reading (4-5-1): Federici, Griffin, Ingimarsson, Mills, Bertrand, McAnuff, Howard, Karacan, Gunnarson, Kebe, Long. Subs: Hamer, Tabb, Henry, Church, Robson-Kanu, Rasiak, Pearce.

Albion (4-5-1): Carson, Zuiverloon, Meite, Olsson, Mattock, Brunt, Cox, Jara, Dorrans, Slory, Bednar. Subs: Kiely, Koren, Moore, Wood, Tamas, Mulumbu, Mantom.

Ref: C Foy (Merseyside).

Reading Albion preview, team news and odds detail

Reading and West Brom meet tomorrow in an all Championship FA Cup fifth round tie and Albion are not expecting anything like the easy 3 to 1 victory they had at the Hawthorns in October.

In a game where one club is struggling near the foot of the table and another club is topping the table, you would not expect the struggling club to be so expected to win. The Royals, however, have beaten top opposition including the premier giants Liverpool and also Burnley, to get thus far.

Saturday’s game at the Madejski Stadium looks likely to render the pair’s differing league fortunes irrelevant, with Reading as sure that they will get through to the quarter final as any of the other 15 teams still in the hat.

The Baggies head for the Madejski Stadium looking to book a place in the quarterers but have to get past a rejuvenated Reading team, who have only lost three times in 11 games since new head coach Brian McDermott took over and have moved within a point of Coca-Cola Championship safety.

Royals tactician is looking to mastermind another scalp en route to a place in the last eight, with Albion the team in his sight’s..

Reading will be without defender Zurab Khizanishvili, the Georgia international made his home debut in the win over Plymouth on Tuesday night but is now cup tied having played for Blackburn in the FA Cup already.

Matt Mills is available again, however, after serving a one-match ban and he should take Khizanishvili’s place in the centre of defence.

Sigurdsson, who has scored in both rounds has been out with a foot injury while Czech Republic international Matejovsky has been struggling with an abdominal injury, however, both are rumoured to be close to fitness and may play a part.

Roberto Di Matteo has to make changes again, not only because of being involved in so many games of late, however, also because of injury, cup ties and suspension issues.

Loanee Frank Nouble is ineligible for the tie having played earlier in the competition for West Ham.Then there will be others missing, striker Ishmael Miller (ankle), defender Marek Cech (hamstring), winger Jerome Thomas (suspended) and midfielders James Morrison (heel) and Giles Barnes (Achilles) all remain unavailable.

Di Matteo has also confirmed that youth team players will be on the bench for the match, with the Baggies boss possibly having his mind on Tuesday’s crunch Championship clash at Cardiff.

Young Graham Dorrans may be rested for tomorrow’s FA Cup clash at Reading, the Baggies midfielder who is on top form this season, is carrying a slight hip flex injury.

Although not serious, Albion boss Roberto Di Matteo may be tempted to give him a break, although still will be viewed in many quarters as the wrong thing to do with so many other forced changes coming.

Roberto Di Matteo said: “Graham Dorrans has been fantastic for us, also because he has been playing with a little injury in the last three weeks.

“I am aware of it and wary of it.

“You always try to think ‘maybe I can pull him off’, but it’s kind of difficult because he can be so influential for us.

“He’s got a little problem on his hip flex, which we’ll have to monitor.”

Di Matteo has some pedigree in the FA Cup, scoring in two finals for Chelsea back in 1997 and 2000.

“I’m not sure if it’s helped our league campaign but a win gives you confidence,” he added.

“Every win gives you confidence, whether it’s in the league or cup. It gives you a belief. It’s a nice habit.

“It’s a great competition the FA Cup in England. We’ve tried our best in previous games and that’s what we’ll do on Saturday – we’ll try to get through to the next round.”

Paddy Power are offering a free tenner bet for all new account’s and the odds available are 7/4 on Reading, 12/5 the draw and 7/5 on the Albion with 80 more bets available on the game.

Sky are offering 7/4 on Reading, 12/5 the draw and 6/4 on the Albion. They too are offering a free tenner bet, however, this is a tenner match bet.

Ladbrokes will give you 8/5 on either result with 12/5 the draw like elsewhere and are also offering West Brom Blog readers a free tenner too.

Bet 365 are now running a great new incentive where you can pick your own bonus and one that is far greater than before, get up to £200 as a starter with maybe more to follow. Their odds on the game are slightly different with 7/4 Reading, 6/4 Albion and 23/10 the draw.

Keep an eye out around the West Brom Blog for plenty of special offers at all the sports books and a few offers at online casinos and poker rooms.

Di Matteos take on Koren and Koumas …

Speaking to Sky Sports today Roberto Di Matteo stated that a line had been drawn under the Robert Koren hand shaking episode and that it was unfortunate that the agent chose to get involved.

When asked about the point made by the agent that Koren had been played out of position for 80% of the season he said:

“Perhaps the agent should become the manager here as he obviously knows more than most managers” with a wry smile on his face.

He was then asked by the Sky News reporter if Jason Koumas was on his way to the club. With a child like expression on his face, the sort that reveals he is not quite telling the truth he said:

“He is a good player”

This seems to be a sure fire pointer that Jason Koumas will surely be strutting his stuff back at the Hawthorns very soon.

Today’s transfer news – Koumas – Woods – Dorrans

Manchester City are appearing to be tracking Graham Dorrans and manager Roberto Mancini, it’s suggested is planning a £6million raid on the Hawthorns take the Albion midfielder to Eastland’s according to local and national media reports. The fact that the Albion added an extra year to an already valid 4 year contract recently seems to point to the fact that either he is not for sale or an over priced offer is all that will be accepted.

The Baggies are also reportedly planning an emergency loan move for Wigan midfielder and ex Albion favourite Jason Koumas. The Welshman is one of several apparently being tracked by the club as they are looking to bring in extra loan cover because it is available and the final run in may see many extra games.

Albion have not made a formal offer to Wigan for the player who made over 140 appearances for the Baggies during his five years at the Hawthorns after joining from Tranmere.

The 30 year old was a great favourite following his £2.2million move from Tranmere in 2002, although towards the end seemed rather distracted and not so bothered.

He left for Wigan in a £5.3 million transfer following the club’s failure to win promotion at Wembley after being defeated by Derby in the play off final. This was the final straw for the player who really wanted premiership football, so although probably welcomed back, he may not be received in the same way as he was the first time around, with many fans possibly not prepared to forgive and forget.

Any loan signings are likely to be delayed until the middle of next week, because any loan deals at this stage of the season can only be for for a maximum of 93 days. Therefore next Thursday is the first day Albion could bring in a player and ensure they are available for the play-off final on May 22, if that is how the Albion’s season is destined to finish.

Young Albion striker Chris Wood is on the radar for Bristol Rovers who are looking to secure their front line and as there is now plenty of cover here at the Albion, he could well go out to gain much needed experience.

Watch the Albion for free

Second in the table and just 2 points behind Derby County, Albion reserves are flying high.

Next Wednesdays game has been dedicated a free admission fixture.

You can watch the reserves for free when the host Port Vale reserves on Wednesday, February 17.

Free entry is limited to the West Stand, Block C

Albion go top after 2 nil win

A Roman Bednar opener on 13 minutes and a Gianni Zuiverloon goal late on was enough to take the Albion to the top of the table after Derby beat Newcastle emphatically and Coventry just edged out Forest in the East – West Midlands Derby.

Scunthorpe ended up with ten men, however, they should have been playing with just 9 when Dorran’s was brought down by the last man.

The game was a scrappy affair for most of the 90 minutes and Scunthorpe could have easily got back in to it on many occasions.

A sour note on this great night was the sight of Robert Koren blanking Di Matteo when he offered his hand as Koren was subbed.

Nouble Starts and there are 3 more changes tonight

Fresh kid on the block, short term loan signing Frank Nouble is given his Albion debut as Roberto Di Matteo makes a total of 4 team changes tonight. Obviously Jerome Thomas was out, but the other three are chosen.

The West Ham forward Nouble replaces the suspended Jerome Thomas on the left wing as we suggested earlier today, however, Slory still gets no better than the bench.

Gonzalo Jara, Jonas Olsson and Robert Koren are all recalled after being rested at Plymouth, the benched three who they replace are Gianni Zuiverloon, Abdoulaye Meite and Simon Cox.

ALBION (4-5-1): Carson; Jara, Tamas, Olsson, Mattock; Brunt, Koren, Mulumbu, Dorrans, Nouble; Bednar. Subs: Kiely (gk), Cox, Moore, Meite, Zuiverloon, Thorne, Slory.

SCUNTHORPE (4-4-2): Murphy; Byrne, Mirfin, Jones, Sparrow; Togwell, O’Connor, Moloney, McDermott; Wright, Hooper. Subs not used: Lillis (gk), McCann, Hayes, Forte, Woolford, Morris, Raynes.

REFEREE: K Wright (Cambridgeshire).

Eager Nouble may start tonight against the Iron

Frank Nouble has today spoken about his hope for the future and how he thinks he could help out tonight. Although a striker he has confirmed himself as a potential replacement for the suspended Jerome Thomas against Scunthorpe.

He said: “I just want to play in an attacking role, be it left wing, right wing or up front, I am here to gain some experience and help the team.”

The 18-year-old finalised his initial 28 day loan from West Ham earlier today and in time to face Scunthorpe at the Hawthorns tonight.

Continuing, Nouble said:

“I am very excited. I watch some of the games on TV and some of the teams like West Brom are big teams, so I want to see how I do at this level.

“I made my debut at 17 recently. I have just turned 18 and I want to get as much experience as I can in any league, be it the Championship or Premier League.”

The youngster’s arrival from Upton Park gives Roberto Di Matteo extra options in the quest for a replacement for Thomas, who begins his four match ban tonight.

Nouble agreed that Di Matteo’s friendship with West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola played a big part in securing the move.

He said: “Gianfranco Zola and the manager here are close friends, so it was easy for them to talk about me. I think Roberto Di Matteo definitely listened to what he said and I think he is happy I have come here.

“The manager here has Chelsea links and was a terrific player when at Chelsea with Gianfranco Zola.”

Albion first team coach Michael Appleton has also spoken about Nouble: “Frank is really strong and aggressive and he will give us an outlet sometimes when we need that, especially when teams are trying to frustrate us.

“He is versatile and can play in different positions, which is good for us. There may be times when we want to use him in the centre but he has played a lot of football lately in wider areas so I think we’ll look to use him in both areas of the pitch as and when we need to.”

So, with Thomas out and Nouble fresh whilst other players are suffering from the rigours of 4 games in 10 days, added to the fact that he cannot play Saturday at Reading due to being cup tied, it is very likely that he will start tonight.

Albion really do need to make changes quite often at the moment anyway, as by next Tuesday at 10 pm they will have played 5 games in 13 days, a ridiculous amount in such a short period.

Chris Woods up for goal of the season with Soccer AM

Chris Wood’s super strike in Albion’s 3 to 1 win at home to Doncaster Rovers in September, which was of course his first senior goal for the Baggies, has been nominated by the club for the Football League’s top 20 and is in the running to win the Mitre Goal of the Year 2009.

Vote and watch the goal at the Soccer Am website to give Chris a chance to get in to the top 5 and have a chance to win the award.

The overall winner will be decided at the 2010 Football League Awards on the night, these awards take place at the prestigious Grosvenor House, Park Lane, London, on Sunday, March 14, 2010.

Wood’s is not the only Albion player on the list, however, as young Cox also makes the list for his strike when playing for Swindon against Walsall in January.

All football Championship clubs were asked to nominate their best goal to Sky Sports’ Soccer AM show, who screened the 20 goals on Saturday.

Get on down to the Soccer AM site to Vote and the watch goal along with the other 19 contenders. One lucky voter will win tickets to the awards, however, more importantly, lets get a trophy under our belts early this season.

West Ham striker Frank Nouble to sign tomorrow

News from the Hawthorns seems to confirm that Albion will be signing the powerful West Ham striker Frank Nouble on loan tomorrow once the window is open for loans.

Although signing in time for tomorrows visit of the Iron, he will unlikely make the team sheet, however, may be a possibility for the bench.

Nouble’s initial month long stay at the Albion will see him available for the matches against Cardiff, Bristol City, Derby, QPR and Sheffield Wednesday.

At 6ft 3in the player would be a great asset for the trip to Reading in the FA Cup fifth round on Saturday, however, as he is cup tied will be unavailable for the game.

This is certainly making full use of the emergency transfer window, as Roberto Di Matteo has lost Ishmael Miller to an ankle injury for at least two weeks along with Jerome Thomas who is banned for 4 games.

West Ham signed Nouble from Chelsea in the close season on a 5 year contract.

He made his debut versus Wolves when the Hammers won by 2 goals to nil in the opening game so should go down quite well at the Hawthorns just for this reason. He has made 8 more first team appearances since.

Nouble is not shy of goals, he has scored 2 goals 10 times whilst playing for Chelsea reserves.

More team changes to come for Scunthorpe game.

Marek Cech with an injured hamstring and Ishmael Miller who is suffering an injured ankle will both be missing from the Albion lineup for roughly 2 weeks, ruling them out for the Scunthorpe game immediately.

Jerome Thomas begins a four match ban against Scunthorpe, this is due to a second straight red card this season. Both came late in there respective games and seem rather annoying to say the least.

So the Albion will be ringing the changes yet again this coming Tuesday, the 2nd time after a run of games where the team remained the same. The lone striker up front formation will likely continue, however, we may see changes in the midfield and defence. A defence that seemed to be at sixes and eights quite often Saturday afternoon at Home Park, one that seems to be made up of decent stock, however, disjointed by the fact that they are not quite jelled as a unit.

This is all of course on top of the fact that the Albion are to play their third game in a week this coming Tuesday evening at home to Scunthorpe and in need of resting some and recalling others who were rested Saturday.

Punches thrown and a red card in ugly scenes at Plymouth

A 66th minute Simon Cox goal was all that divided the 2 teams at Home Park today.

Sub Luke Moore won a penalty in the 83rd minute, just like his counterpart Miller did at Blackpool, however, Dorran’s penalty was saved by Plymouth keeper this time out.

Jerome Thomas was sent of in the 88th minute for a professional foul and all hell broke loose. Punches were thrown, both benches came on to the pitch and got involved seemingly to calm things down! Thomas was ushered off the pitch and down the tunnel within seconds of the event, probably the best thing that could have happened.

The last 10 minutes twice saw Plymouth fans the centre of the stewards attention when they seemed to be arguing and threatening Albion subs.

A few minutes in to injury time another dangerous tackle, this time by Kari Arnason on Luke Moore was punished only by a yellow card when the ref seemed unable or not wanting to give another red, possibly because of the danger of creating even more unsavoury scenes. Arnason’s studs were high and showing, catching Moore in the calves from behind, very dangerous and possibly career threatening, this nasty tackle certainly deserved a straight red card and showed just how heated the situation was.

Albion came away with the three points and kept up the pressure on both Newcastle and Nott’s Forest who both won this weekend too, although they also came away with a much unwanted red card and no doubt a few knocks too.

Plymouth Albion team sheet

Di Matteo names 4 new faces on the team sheet, the first change for 6 games.

Abdoulaye Meite replaces Jonas Olsson to join Gabriel Tamas in the Baggies defence.

Gonzalo Jara joins Olsson as a sub and Gianni Zuiverloon is recalled at right back.

Marek Cech is replaced by Joe Mattock at left-back.

Simon Cox replaces Robert Koren, who becomes a sub.

17 year old youth team midfielder George Thorne is on the bench.

PLYMOUTH (4-4-2): Stockdale; Duguid, Arnason, R Johnson, Sawyer; Clark, Fletcher, D Johnson, Judge; Mackie, Fallon. Subs: Larrieu (gk), Wright-Phillips, Barker, McNamee, Noone, Summerfield, Cooper.

ALBION (4-5-1): Carson; Zuiverloon, Tamas, Meite, Mattock; Brunt, Cox, Mulumbu, Dorrans, Thomas; Bednar. Subs: Kiely (gk), Jara, Olsson, Koren, Moore, Slory, Thorne.

REFEREE: S Tanner (Somerset).

Plymouth Albion team news – Youth on bench

Roberto Di Matteo has this morning spoken of injuries that will effect today’s line up.

Marek Cech is not on the team sheet due to a hamstring injury picked up midweek against Blackpool.

Joe Mattock has recovered and is available for selection at Home Park so looking likely to replace Cech.

Ishmael Miller Will not be making the bench after damaging his ankle against Blackpool, bringing scary times for the youngster just back from a long term injury.

“Joe is fine now,” said the Baggies boss.

“Unfortunately Ish and Marek got injured on Wednesday and they will be missing today.

“We’re going to call-up George Thorne from the youth team so we have enough players on the bench.”

Giles Barnes speaks of his fitness confidence.

Giles Barnes is hoping to make his first appearance for new club Albion within weeks after vowing to rediscover the form that made him a £7 million man.

The ex Derby winger was talking to the club site for the first time about his fight to regain full fitness and explained that his ruptured Achilles has now fully healed.

Barnes is hoping and convinced that all the injuries over the last 3 years are now behind him and that he can get on with his career.

He said: “I’m there or thereabouts. I am short of game practice and I’m not going to hide that but as soon as I get one or two game practice games behind me I would be thinking I’d be ready to enter the first team if selected.

“My Achilles feels fantastic. I don’t have any pain or any swelling from it, so I suppose that’s a good thing.”

At 21 he has already been one of English football’s brightest talents and attracted bids of £7million in the summer of 2007, one of those bids from West Ham, this was after helping Derby reach the Premier League at Albion’s cost. The hammers move looked all set to go when the injury nightmare started.

He said: “There is no doubt in my mind. I was probably playing better football than ever when I went on loan to Fulham, even though it was in reserve games. In training I was sharper than I had ever been before.

“Even though I got my Achilles injury from that, I didn’t lose my football brain and thank God I haven’t lost any pace or anything like that.

“You come back stronger from things like that and if you keep watching football you learn things as well.”

With foot, knee and Achilles problems since 2007, Barnes has never considered once that his career could be doomed to failure.

He said: “That is one thing that never came into my head – not even an echo. I am that eager to get back. If anyone had turned around to me and said ‘we’re not too sure,’ that would have been a big shock to me.

“But not playing again is not something I ever contemplated.”

Only time will tell, however, should Barnes regain the form he was capable of and steer clear of any further injury, Albion may have an asset on their hands that could be worth close on £10 million.

Plymouth West Brom preview – All Change?

Hot Striker Roman Bednar who has scored 5 goals in 5 games made his debut at Plymouth some 2 years ago scoring 2 goals. In his own words, he has stated that players seem to score goals against the same teams, quoting the 3 he scored against Sheffield as an indicator of this. He looks like the very first name on the team sheet.

Presently there are a few names that may not make it due to knocks picked up in the midweek trip to Blackpool. Ishmael Miller picked up a knock to his ankle whilst winning the penalty that gave Albion all three points and Marek Cech limped of at full time with a sore hamstring.

Other than these two, Di Matteo is able to choose an unchanged team for the sixth game on the trot. With Miller only on the bench in recent games due to lack of match practice and of course Bednar’s form Albion are likely to continue with the lately favoured 1 up front formation. This will be the fourth game Di Matteo picks an unchanged side if he does so, however, with the Cech injury and the amount of games in such a short period this is unlikely.

There will most likely be 4 or 5 changes just to make sure that players are not worn out, 3 games in 7 days is far too much for any player.

Speaking on the club website http://www.wba.co.uk Roberto Di Matteo had this to say on the subject:

“We’ve had a settled team down to the fact we haven’t picked up any injuries and have been playing well, creating chances and winning games,” said Di Matteo.

“He’s an important player for us and we don’t want to lose him to injury.”

So the changes are due to be ringed, will Slory make his full debut? Who will get to start is still up in the air and unlikely to be finalised before 2pm Saturday afternoon.

Plymouth are 2nd bottom, however, seemingly reinvigorated and Paul Mariners men are now up for the fight for survival.

Kids for a quid for Scunthorpe’s visit to the Hawthorns

When Scunthorpe make the trip down to the Hawthorns next week on the 9th of February Albion fans will be able to watch the game at a reduced price.

WBA FC have reduced ticket prices for all and are offering the famous “Kids for a quid” yet again.

In all parts of the ground other than the West stand, tickets will be just £15 for adults, £10 for seniors, students and under eighteens, with kids under sixteen getting in for a quid.

The West stand will be the usual £28 and tickets are now on general sale.

classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000"
codebase="https://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,0,0"
id="bet365_affiliate_creative_banner_image"
width="468"
height="60"> src="http://imstore.bet365affiliates.com/?AffiliateCode=365_032474&CID=198&DID=5&TID=2&PID=149&LNG=1&ClickTag=http%3a%2f%2fimstore.bet365affiliates.com%2fTracker.aspx%3fAffiliateId%3d21049%26AffiliateCode%3d365_032474%26CID%3d198%26DID%3d5%26TID%3d2%26PID%3d149&Popup=true"
quality="high"
allowScriptAccess="always"
allowNetworking"external"
swLiveConnect="false"
width="468"
height="60"
name="bet365_affiliate_creative_banner_image"
type="application/x-shockwave-flash"
pluginspage="https://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer"
wmode="transparent">

Di Matteo explains last night substitutions at Blackpool

Because of the fact that the Albion have to play 3 games in 7 days Roberto Di Matteo made the substitutions that he did last night. The latter stages of a game where a player becomes tired are prone for picking up injuries.

Bednar, Thomas and Brunt all made it in for an early bath with at least 15 minutes to go and were replaced by Miller, Zuiverloon and new boy Slory. This turned out worse than expected when Miller picked up an injury as well as a penalty and hurt his ankle. Marek Cech also finished the game with a hamstring worry.

Speaking to the official club site Roberto Di Matteo explained last nights substitutions at Bloomfield road with the following comments:

“You think about the fact we’ve got three games in six days and fortunately I have players on the bench who can make an impact on the game,” said Di Matteo.

“It’s a shame he missed because it could have been a nice debut for him.”

Blackpool 2 West Brom 3 match highlights

For 20 minutes neither team could take the game by the horns and it was free kick after free kick for either team. By the 25th minute Blackpool took the lead with a shot from Keith Southern, this was not really showing a fair scoreline as neither team deserved the lead and one just knew that an Albion equaliser was due within minutes.

Well Roman Bednar proved this point on 29 minutes, when his shot was on target beating the keeper. The next ten minutes passed and still neither team could really say they had the advantage. It was still pretty close when on the 40th minute up popped Bednar again, his shot was again on target and beat the Tangerines keeper quite easily.

West Brom now took control and continually troubled Blackpool with endless shots and chances but the half time whistle saw them go in with just a 1 goal advantage, probably a fair scoreline considering how close the first 40 minutes had been.

Anwele Story came on for Jerome Thomas on 53 minutes and Albion continued to control the game, it was only time before they extended their lead even though Blackpoool were having the odd chance. On 65 minute Bednar was replaced by Miller and the Albion are still in control. The first half saw Bednar as Albions key player, however, the second half has been a star performance for Dorrans.

From around the 70th minute Blackpool start getting the upper hand and looked likely to get an equaliser, partly down to Albions nerve cracking and Blackpool’s determination in front of their home fans. On 80 minutes the equaliser came from Dobbie when Rob Edwards managed to get the ball in to the box from a throw in.

Albion fans, players and Di Matteo alike, were cursing and could have easily settled for a draw or given in completely as many team would have done to such a high flying in form team.

Blackpool were in complete control, however, when Albion managed to get on the attack in the 83rd minute, Miller was brought down in the box. Up steps Dorrans with only 1 goal out of his last 2 penalty’s. Would the Albion youngster be able to keep his nerve?

He sure did and the Albion were back in front with only 7 minutes to go.

It was cue the kitchen sink time and Blackpool certainly did so, Albion were under siege but managed to keep their nerve and run out 3 – 2 winners with all three points. This places the Baggies back in the guaranteed promotion spot.

Reading West Brom FA Cup tickets latest

The Baggies will be travelling to Reading for their FA Cup tie guaranteed to have maximum support after all 4000 tickets sold out yesterday.

Albion’s entire allocation for the FA Cup 5th round tie at Reading have gone and there are no more to come.

So it is a guarantee that there will be a great baggies roar at the Madejski Stadium on Saturday week.

Blackpool West Brom team news

Albion name an un changed team for the fifth consecutive game tonight for the trip to Blackpool.

Joe Mattock is replaced on the bench by new signing Andy Slory and it is uncertain whether that is by choice or because he has failed to recover from sickness. Slory will most likely get a run out at some point even, if it is just to get some match practice under his belt.

Ian Holloway makes three changes to the Blackpool side that drew 1-1 with Coventry at the weekend.

Fresh in the door lloan signing DJ Campbell starts in attack along with Danny Coid and Ben Burgess who also enter the teamsheet.

They are in to replace Brett Ormerod, who is suspended, Gary Taylor-Fletcher drops to the bench and Alex Baptiste is left out altogether.

BLACKPOOL (4-4-2): Rachubka; Edwards, Coid, Crainey, Evatt; Southern, Vaughan, Bannan, Adam; Burgess, Campbell. Subs: Gilks (gk), Taylor-Fletcher, Martin, Euell, Butler, Husband, Dobbie.

ALBION (4-5-1): Carson; Jara, Tamas, Olsson, Cech; Brunt, Koren, Mulumbu, Dorrans, Thomas; Bednar. Subs: Kiely (gk), Slory, Miller, Zuiverloon, Cox, Meite, Moore.

REFEREE: D Foster (Newcastle).

West Brom land Feyenoord winger Andwele Slory

West Brom have landed Feyenoord winger Andwele Slory for an undisclosed fee on transfer deadline day.

Albion have been looking to sign the odd player in the January transfer window and Roberto Di Matteo has managed to get the Holland international in with hours to spare.

“Everyone knows we’ve been looking to bring in an offensive midfielder with pace and we’re delighted to have signed Andy,” the Italian told the official site.

“He can play wide or through the middle behind the striker and he’ll be a good addition to the squad.”

Slory has penned a five-month contract with the option of another year after completing a medical at the Hawthorns on Monday.

The 27-year-old, was also linked with a move to Blackburn but chose the Albion in the end and could make his Baggies debut at Blackpool on Wednesday so long as international clearance is secured.

“I am very excited to begin this new adventure,” the player told Feyenoord’s official website. “I’ve always dreamed of a foreign adventure.”

Wednesday game moved as FA Cup date set

West Broms Coca-Cola Championship home tie with Sheffield Wednesday, Saturday, February 13 has been moved to Tuesday, March 9 with a 7.45 pm K O, this is due to the Albion’s FA Cup game against Reading.

Albion’s FA Cup fifth-round trip to Reading will take place on February 13 3 pm KO.

If there is no result at Reading and the tie was to go to a replay, the replay will take place at The Hawthorns on Wednesday, February 24 7.45 KO.

Albion Ipswich ticket news

Tomorrow at 1pm is the deadline to buy a ticket for Tuesday’s trip to Ipswich at cut price.

Buy your tickets from the East Stand box office before tomorrow at 1pm and they will only cost £33 adults, £23 concessions and £12 juniors.

After that deadline Albion fans will still be able to get tickets for the game by paying on the gate at Ipswich, however, this will be on a first come first served basis so a bumper turn out could see fans travelling for nothing. Although an unlikely event, possibly worth while getting your tickets before the 1pm deadline.

Tickets bought at Portman Road will cost more money too, at £35.50 adults, £25.50 concessions and £13 juniors.

FA CUP draw sees Albion versus Reading Away

The draw has been made and we are playing Reading away in the fifth round of the fa cup played weekend of 14th Feb

West Brom 4 Newcastle 2

First half goals by Olsson and a Dorrans penalty started the four two win for Albion, however, Newcastle made the best star to the 2nd half when striker Andy Carroll pulled a goal back on 62.

Things turned back Albions way when full-back Ryan Taylor was dismissed 19 minutes from time for tripping Jerome Thomas in the box.

Dorrans made no mistake from the spot this time bagging Albion’s third and 5 minutes later Thomas put the tie firmly beyond United’s reach with his first and Albion’s 4th.

Carroll pulled a consolation back by poking home from close range in the first minute of stoppage time.

The result see’s the Albion in the draw for the next round and able to concentrate on the league without the little needed problem of a replay.

Albion came out easy winners this afternoon and have certainly broken the home game hoodoo that they suffered with lately more so, but all season too. Hopefully now they will have the confidence to overall the Toon at the top of the table and go on to win the Championship.

Albion Newcastle FA Cup 2010 team line ups

This all important FA Cup match, the third game between Albion and Newcastle, the second Hawthorns meeting this season, see’s Albion sporting an unchanged side to the one that drew 2-2 at Newcastle in the Coca-Cola Championship on Monday.

There is one Baggies change on the bench where Shelton Martis comes in for Luke Moore, who does not make the squad.

Chris Hughton makes five changes to the United side that faced Albion five days ago.

Tim Krul, Ryan Taylor, Fabrice Pancrate, Andrew Carroll and Tamas Kadar come in, with Steve Harper and Shola Ameobi dropping to the bench, and Peter Lovenkrands, Steven Taylor and Danny Simpson left out altogether.

ALBION (4-5-1): Carson; Jara, Tamas, Olsson, Cech; Brunt, Dorrans, Mulumbu, Koren, Thomas; Bednar. Subs not used: Kiely (gk), Martis, Cox, Miller, Teixeira, Mattock, Zuiverloon.

NEWCASTLE (4-5-1): Krul; R Taylor, Coloccini, Kadar, Enrique; Pancrate, Nolan, Smith, Guthrie, Gutierez; Carroll. Subs not used: Harper (gk), Ameobi, LuaLua, Ranger, Tozer, Ferguson, Donaldson.

West Brom Newcastle FA Cup preview

As Roberto Di Matteo was happy with the way his team played Monday and the fact that they could have easily come away with all three points, it seems unlikely that he will make more than the odd change if any. Even the rift between Bednar and Di Matteo over the strikers early bath which saw Bednar pulling faces and looking far from happy, they seem to have got over that episode after Roman Bednar apologised.

So, could Albion be playing just 1 up front at home? Will we be back to a weak and poor performance today? Can the Albion make progress in another FA Cup that seems to be without many of the big guns as they did when reaching Wembley a couple of years ago under the same circumstances.

Both Albion and Newcastle are flying pretty high and expecting, hoping for Premiership football next season, will this have a bearing? Who will take less risks to ensure 100% effort is available for the promotion push? Which one of the two will be thinking they can win the cup as they are on top of their form? Which set of players want to win more?

One thing is for certain, both teams will be looking for a result today, neither wants a replay, a replay that would get in the way of promotion. Certainly if it was down to the fans, a day at Wembley and taking home the FA Cup would be as good as promotion for most, however, the respective chairmen would no doubt rather have promotion and an early exit from the cup for the obvious financial implications.

The Championship title-chasers shared a 2-2 draw at St James’ Park on Monday night, the Magpies are unbeaten in 14 consecutive matches in all competitions, but have won just once in their last five, while West Brom have claimed victory in just one of their last four home matches, losing two of those.

With this in mind can anyone predict which way the game will go? Yes Albion are poor at home, especially of late, however, the fact that they came so close on Monday must mean something. Perhaps they will realise that they can beat the Toon and the home hoodoo will be cast aside. This has to be the best scenario for the players to get the home form right, playing the same team 5 days later at home after visiting them and almost winning must give them the boost they need.

The game is unlikely to be a tight affair as both are going to be fighting for the result after 90 minutes, there is likely to be goals which gives for a great chance of some easy trading on Betfair where currently you will find the Albion at 2.36, Newcastle 3.25 and the draw at 3.55. So far today there is not a lot of money available on the market, however ample to turn a good profit if you are fast.

Sky Bet are not offering such good odds with the Albion at 5-4, Newcastle and the draw both being 9-4, however, you can get a free £10 bet there as a new customer.

Bet365 are offering 13-10 on the Albion with the draw 12 – 5 and Newcastle at a very short 2-1 so if you want to back the Albion outright they are the place to go especially as they have in play betting with up to £200 in bonuses free for new West Brom Blog visitors who open an account. They have no less than 31 markets on this game including a super bet – Bednar to score first in a West Brom 2 – 1 win is on offer at 40 – 1 or 75 – 1 if you go for a 2 – 2 draw with Bednar scoring the first.

Esprit become 3rd single game shirt sponsors

The club have secured their first single game shirt sponsorship deal for a non televised match , Esprit, a local firm will have their logo emblazoned on the Albion shirts for tomorrows game against Newcastle in the FA Cup.

The West Bromwich based shop fitting and interior company are sponsoring the Club’s shirts.

They have become the third business to take advantage of the ground-breaking match by match shirt sponsorship deals Albion are now able to offer as a Football League club.

Online betting companies Blue Square and Victor Chandler have already struck similar deals with the Baggies for their games against QPR and Nottingham Forest respectively.

A fourth single match sponsorship was away to Newcastle last monday, however, this was a charitable offering by the club and not a real sponsorship deal.

All three of the previous single game shirt deals were live on Sky.

Esprit recently finished work on the clubs Merry Hill store, so it is not the first time the two have worked together.

esprit UK Managing Director, Trevor Dubberley, is quoted on the club website as saying “We are huge Albion fans and have been customers of the club for the past ten seasons in the guise of executive box holders and season ticket holders.”

“We also have branding around the stadium and sponsoring the Club’s shirt seemed the next logical step.

“I just hope we prove a lucky omen and that the team progresses into the fifth round, which would complete a proud day for esprit UK.”

Albion have only been able to offer short-term shirt sponsorship deals this season as they are not permitted under Premier League rules.

Albion Newcastle FA Cup tie tickets latest

Albion are urging fans to arrive as early as possible for tomorrow’s cut price FA Cup clash with Newcastle at The Hawthorns (ko 3pm). The second game in 5 days between the clubs is expected to get a good crowd.

Although there is no shortage of tickets for the East Stand, Birmingham Road End and West Stand and the fact that tickets remain on general sale at the box office until 5pm this afternoon as well as between 9am and 3pm tomorrow if there is still availability, Albion are still issuing a cautionary warning.

Supporters are urged to leave plenty of time to buy a ticket, or collect pre-paid tickets from the East Stand box office, to ensure they get into the stadium in time for the start of the fourth-round tie.

Ticket prices in all areas have been reduced to £20 adults, £10 seniors/under-18s/students and £5 under-16s. Supporters are reminded there are no concession prices available in the West Stand.

Di Matteo dismisses Cech rumours

According to the official club site, Roberto Di Matteo has dismissed claims that Marek Cech is on his way out of the Hawthorns. He has also stressed that he will be reporting Cech’s French agent to UEFA as what he has done is obviously wrong and against the rules.

Cech who played at St James Park on Monday night has also got 14 Championship games under his belt this season and seems very much part of Di Matteo’s plans.

The rumour circulated by the French agent was that the Slovakian international was set to join French top-flight outfit Rennes. Albion and Di Matteo claim this is complete fabrication and that they have had no contact with Rennes whatsoever.

Also today, Di Matteo is reportedly still looking to bolster the squad sooner rather than later. The fact that International loans are not allowed after the end of the January transfer window seems to suggest that incoming loans will be international rather than domestic loans, which are available all season. It is unlikely that any money will be spent now, so loans are very much on the agenda.

Albions Haiti support could be doubled.

The webmaster of West Brom Blog (in his capacity as chairman of the GAU), contacted the club yesterday and subsequently spoke to WBA FC Finance director Mr Mark Jenkins today regarding a generous offer made by Bodog founder Calvin Ayre.

The Calvin Ayre Foundation have offered to match any donations made to the DEC fund, inc Oxfam by any person or business in the gambling industry, details can be found here.

Now although not truly in the gambling industry, due to the fact that Albion have deals with online bookies and advertise them on their website this seems to allow them to fit within the foundations criteria.

Albion are auctioning the shirts from Monday nights match and bids can be placed here.

Details of the possibility of doubling the funds raised are now with both the foundation and the club with an offer to both to help in making this come true. So fingers crossed for a massive boost to the fund to help these poor people in Haiti.

The industry has its annual awards next week where the cheque is to be presented to Oxfam from the Calvin Ayre Foundation and it is hoped that the Albion’s donation will be part of this matched amount. Further information on this is available here.

Barnett move to be made permanent?

The Express and Star are today reporting the Albion Defender Leon Barnett is likely to make his loan move to Coventry City permanent.

They report today that “Championship club Coventry are scrabbling around in a bid to raise the funds to sign on-loan Albion defender Leon Barnett permanently”.

Leon Barnett joined the Baggies from Luton for an initial £2.5million fee in July 2007.

At 6ft 2in, he is not the biggest centre-half at the Hawthorns, however, he signed a four-year contract, plus a year’s option in the club’s favour in 2007.

After helping the Baggies win promotion to the Premier League in 2008 his price raised by a further £250,000 and a further clause could see a further £250,000 being owed for him depending on appearances. A good reason to let him go sooner rather than later maybe?

After slipping down the Hawthorns pecking order he joined Coventry City on loan until January on November 4, 2009.

WBA Newcastle FAC Ticket News

Albion take on Newcastle for the second time in 6 days this Saturday at 15.00, hopefully, the result will be different and the Baggies cup run will continue.

Tickets are now on general sale and available from the club ticket office at the Hawthorns.

Ticket prices for the Hawthorns clash have been reduced to £20 adults, £10 seniors/under-18s/students and £5 under-16s.

With the offers shown above it is expected to be a bumper crowd and fans are advised to buy their tickes as early as possible to avoid disappointment.

Albion Newcastle report

Peter Lovenkrands dedicated the goal which keeps Newcastle on track for promotion to his late father after he capped an emotionally draining week.

The former Rangers striker was expected to miss Monday night’s clash with third-placed West Bromwich following his father’s death in Denmark. But he made a surprise return and scored the second equaliser – his fourth goal in a week – to earn a point.

Lovenkrands, who scored an FA Cup hat-trick against Plymouth last Wednesday, looked to the heavens and fought back the tears as he celebrated his third league goal of the season in the 54th minute.
He said: ‘It is a bit surreal. It is still emotional but I am just so pleased we got a point and I got a goal for my dad. It means a lot. I dedicated that goal to my father. It was a very difficult decision to play but my dad was a very big football fan and he would have wanted me to do this and I didn’t want to let him down. I felt I wanted to do it for him.’

Manager Chris Hughton, whose side remain six points ahead of Albion and three ahead of Nottingham Forest with a game in hand, said: ‘Lovenkrands deserves immense credit. We left the decision up to him. We are very much behind him and his family but he wanted to play and for him to get a goal – the equalising goal at that -shows great credit to him and also shows the spirit we have here.’

Roberto Di Matteo’s Albion side twice took the lead at St James’ Park, where Newcastle remain unbeaten this season, and they looked on the verge of their first victory there for more than 30 years until Lovenkrands’ second-half strike.

In a full-blooded and thoroughly entertaining scrap between two of the sides relegated last season, West Bromwich took the lead through Jonas Olsson after 14 minutes when he was allowed to touch home a cross from the excellent Graeme Dorrans past Steve Harper.

Danny Guthrie cancelled that out 11 minutes later, placing a delightful free-kick over Yousuff Mulumbu in Scott Carson’s wall after the Rwanda midfielder had brought down Shola Ameobi. But a mere 32 seconds into the second half Roman Bednar put the visitors back in front with another simple goal.

Fabricio Coloccini, the rock on whom Newcastle’s Championship charge has been based, was most at fault after he failed to deal with another cross from the lively Dorrans.

Bednar rose comfortably above Coloccini to head at Harper, who touched the first effort on to the bar with his legs, only for Bednar to nonchalantly nod the ball over the supine keeper.

Read more:at the Mail

Newcastle Albion team news

ROBERT Koren gets his first league start in 11 games as Roberto Di Matteo makes four changes to the side that lost dismally by 3-1 to Nottingham Forest ten days ago.

Strike duo Luke Moore and Simon Cox are replaced by Roman Bednar coming in as the Baggies’ lone hitman.

Youssouf Mulumbu makes his first Coca-Cola Championship start in five games as Di Matteo opts to bolster his midfield.

Both full-backs from the previous match – Gianni Zuiverloon and Joe Mattock – are dropped to the dugout, with Gonzalo Jara dropping to right-back and Marek Cech promoted from substitute to left-back.

Chris Hughton makes five changes to the Toon side that beat Plymouth 3-0 in their FA Cup third-round replay five days ago.

Steve Harper, Shola Ameobi, Danny Guthrie, Danny Simpson and Alan Smith all come in, with Tim Krul, Ryan Taylor, Fabrice Pancrate, Nicky Butt and Andy Carroll dropping to the bench.

NEWCASTLE (4-4-2): Harper; Simpson, S Taylor, Coloccini, Enrique; Guthrie, Smith, Nolan, Gutierrez; Lovenkrands, Ameobi. Subs: Krul (gk), R Taylor, Pancrate, Butt, Carroll, Kadar, Ranger.

ALBION (4-5-1): Carson; Jara, Tamas, Olsson, Cech; Dorrans, Koren, Mulumbu, Brunt, Thomas; Bednar. Subs: Kiely (gk), Miller, Moore, Cox, Teixeira, Zuiverloon, Mattock.

REFEREE: P Taylor (Hertfordshire).

Newcastle West Brom preview

This evening see’s the Baggies travelling the long road to the home of the Toon, the team topping the table and everyone’s favourite to return to the premiership at the first attempt. Table topping NUFC have slipped in recent weeks, however, still remain 2 points clear at the top with 2 games in hand over second placed Forest, with a 6 point buffer over third placed Albion but no games in hand.

Newcastle’s last league win was a few weeks back against arch rivals Middlesboro when they won two nil, however, they have won only one of their last 4 championship games. In all games they have won just 2 out of 6 and drawn the remainder. Albion on the other hand have won three of the last 6 drawn 1 and lost 2, the wins all coming away from home and both losses at the Hawthorns. The two lost games were very bad displays and they were not just losses, however, the Albion seemed to have stayed at home on both occasions.

The opening day of the season saw a goalless draw between the two teams who seemed to cancel each other out, although it was a very emotional day due to to the game being the first since the death of Sir Bobby Robson who was of course connected to both teams.

The Albion go in to tonight’s game with what must be a massive amount of good Karma after pledging support to the DEC appeal for the Haiti earthquake disaster, we were the 2nd behind only the official site to report on this. With any luck and a modicum of current trends the Albion should be heading home later tonight with all 3 points.

Sky Bet are offering 11/4 on an Albion victory, excellent odds when you consider that fortress Hawthorns has been exchanged for the travelling version. Albion are very capable of winning at any ground, much more so than at home so this needs to be taken in to account. You can get a £10 Free Matched Bet if you open a new account with Sky. They are also offering evens on a Toon win, with the draw at 12/5. Albion to win one nil with a single Bednar goal offers odds of 40 – 1 with Sky or you could choose Newcastle at 5-2 with a one goal handicap.

Betfair are offering a free £25 to new customers and at the time of writing there is £17528 available for Newcastle at 2.1 and £1879 available at 4.0 for an Albion win. The game will be “in Play” on Betfair too allowing you to have a dabble at trading on the game if you wish to.

Bet365 are offering 11/8 Newcastle, 9/4 the draw and 7/4 an Albion victory, however, they have up to £200 in free bets on offer so maybe a better option for a first time account holder.

Although the Albion are the championships top scorers Newcastle have the best defensive record, this will make for an interesting game, a game that can be watched live on Sky TV. Albion will be determined to put last Fridays defeat to Forest behind them and get back on track and in second spot again.

Albion will no doubt be fresher having a 10 day break, Newcastle played the FA Cup replay midweek after a Weekend game. Albion will likely be more up for this game and Newcastle will no doubt get complacent after the Albion’s previous game, with Albion’s away form added to this, there can easily be an away win, although the odds say differently.

Albion DEC Haiti support

ALBION will show support for the earthquake aid effort by wearing ‘DEC Haiti Appeal’ logos on their shirts during Monday’s top-of-the-table clash at Newcastle (ko 7.45pm).

The sponsorship will also feature details of DEC the Disasters Emergency Committee’s website address, www.dec.org.uk, where donations can be made.

Over 2.2million people live in the most affected areas in Port-au-Prince where thousands are feared dead, many more injured or buried under rubble – and the DEC urgently needs support.

Albion can support DEC’s aid work thanks to the match-by-match shirt sponsorship deals they are offering to businesses and organisations because of the lack of a permanent sponsor.

Deals with online betting companies Blue Square and Victor Chandler have been the only 2 deals so far, however, many more are due this season, raising around £10,000 a time.

Tomorrow’s St James’ Park clash on Sky Sports would have easily found a sponsor, however, in the wake of this week’s disaster, the Club felt it would be fitting to donate the advertising space on the front of their shirts to support the DEC’s effort.

Albion will again auction off the 18 shirts worn by the squad against Newcastle in aid of the DEC Haiti Earthquake Appeal, the club have also promised a donation too.

Quoting Jeremy Peace from the clubs website:

“Everyone at the Club has been saddened by the terrible tragedy unfolding in Haiti,” said Peace.

“We are hoping the fact our players will be wearing the appeal logo in front of a national TV audience will make even more people aware of how they can donate money to the aid effort.”

Donations to the DEC Haiti Earthquake Appeal can be made online at www.dec.org.uk

To make a postal donation, make cheques payable to ‘DEC Haiti Earthquake Appeal’ and mail to ‘PO Box 999, London, EC3A 3AA’.

Donations can also be made at any high street bank, or at a Post Office, by quoting Freepay 1449.

Text ‘GIVE’ to 70077 to donate £5 to the DEC Haiti Earthquake Appeal (£5 goes to the DEC. You pay £5 plus the standard network SMS rate).

The DEC launches and co-ordinates national fundraising appeals for public donations on behalf of its member agencies.

The DEC consists of: Action Aid, British Red Cross, CAFOD, CARE International UK, Christian Aid, Concern Worldwide, Help the Aged, Islamic Relief, Merlin, Oxfam, Save the Children, Tearfund, World Vision.

Giles Barnes is training with Albion

Ex Derby midfielder Giles Barnes, a free agent, is currently training with the Albion with a view to a permanent move in to the Hawthorns.

Barnes quality skill and ability is most certainly not in question by Di Matteo, however over two and a half years of injuries are. If the players physical fitness can be seen as promising and it is felt that he is not a player who will for always have injury issues, the Albion boss will no doubt be happy to sign him.

A great player he maybe, however, if he is just going to continually fall down with injuries then he is of no real use to any team looking to settle in the premiership.

West Brom draw Plymouth or Newcastle in the FA Cup 4th round

After leaving it late to run out 2 nil winners at Huddersfield in yesterdays FA cup third round game, the Albions reward is a tie against Plymouth or Newcastle at home

West Brom were ball number 6 in the draw where Frank Skinner drew the away teams.

Goals from Dorrans and young Chris Woods secured the Baggies a place in today’s FA Cup 4th round draw.

Massive injury boosts at the Hawthorns and transfer rumours

Not only are Youssouf Mulumbu, Jerome Thomas and Luke Moore all looking likely to be fit to start in the  Sky televised Rangers clash at The Hawthorns on Monday after their individual struggles struggles with injuries, however, James Morrison may also be back in training as early as next week too!.

With Thomas and Moore back in training and raring to go, Mulumbu is also showing no signs of any serious injury after his recent early bath in the Cardiff defeat.  Morrisons scarring is healing very well and he should be able to start light training any day soon.

The Rangers game will also see a return for Dean Kiely, who will be looking to make his claim for the number one shirt permanent whilst Scott Carson sits out due to his 3 match ban. Carson is expected to be fined by the club after his out of character head butt on Chopra, the club feel that his sending off and the very nature is deserving of a club fine.

Di Matteo has actually hinted that should Kiely perform well that there is no reason why he cannot keep the shot stoppers jersey indefinitely. This episode will see a young keeper on the bench in the form of youth keeper Ryan Alsopp.

In other news today, reports are rife that Albion are likely to make a big money offer for out of favour Stoke striker James Beattie.

Historic first one game sponsorship deal secured.

Albion have agreed a historical first ever single game shirt sponsorship deal with online bookies, Blue Square for the home game with QPR.

Although not made public knowledge, the deal will no doubt we worth in excess of 5 figures and more valuable than most games as the game is live on Sky. Albion insist that there is also more deals in the offing, in what it seems is the first ever scheme of its kind.

Blue Square are also going to be auctioning off a shirt with their logo on it, the proceeds of the auction for this unique shirt will go to Whizz Kidz charity.

Albion aim to tie up Dorrans securely

Although Albion have tied Graham Dorrans to a lengthy 4 year contract only 6 months ago, the club are now aiming to keep him even longer.

Albion are concerned by regular links to Premiership clubs and all the anticipated talk of him being off in the January window. They are so concerned that they are reported to be ready to offer him a 5 year multi million pound deal. Albion appear willing to do anything to keep the young attacking midfielder, this is certainly a step in the right direction towards building a team to enter the second decade of the century as a team that is going places.

Dorrans cost the Baggies just £100,000 when he signed from Livingston under two years ago, but Albion have seen his value rocket in the last 12 months as he has become the key midfield figure, first under Tony Mowbray and now Roberto Di Matteo. He scored Saturday afternoon at Derby giving him his third goal of the season.

Derby Albion report

West Brom lost ground at the top of the Championship after being held to a 2-2 draw by Derby.

The Baggies had looked set to steal all three points after coming from behind to lead 2-1 thanks to late goals from Simon Cox and Graham Dorrans.

But Derby, who had opened the scoring through Paul Dickov, were not to be denied and DJ Campbell grabbed an equaliser deep into stoppage time.

Derby started brightly and carved out an early chance when Lee Croft got clear down the right and his cross just evaded Rob Hulse who was arriving in the six-yard box.

Cox soon responded for Albion with a snap shot from 10 yards out that struck Stephen Bywater. The Derby keeper knew little about it.

Cox then tried his luck with an effort from long range that went narrowly wide.

Albion were fortunate not to be reduced to 10 men when Dorrans reacted angrily to a strong challenge from Robbie Savage on the half-hour mark.

The Scot got up and appeared to kick Savage in the chest but referee Darren Deadman only produced a yellow card.

Scott Carson parried a close range effort from Hulse in the 39th minute when County’s leading scorer seemed certain to notch his seventh goal of the season from Gary Teale’s free-kick.

Breakthrough

But there was nothing Carson could do to keep out Dickov’s shot three minutes later.

Read the rest of this report at Sky Sports

Derby Albion preview

West Brom travel to Derby looking to build a massive gap between promotion and third spot in the Championship. Albion are likely to still be sore from the Wembley defeat against Derby in the play offs final back in 2007.

Midfielder Robert Koren will be missing, starting his recovery from a hernia operation but he is expected back in training in no more than three weeks. The Slovenian international is unlikely to feature in any action this side of or during the festive season.

Left-back Joe Mattock is now back in training after missing last Saturdays win at Sheffield Wednesday with a foot injury and will now be challenging Marek Cech to regain his place in Roberto Di Matteo’s first eleven, although Cech must be feeling relaxed that his place is safe after playing such a good game.

Jerome Thomas and Filipe Teixeira are both available although the latter will need to regain a place where Thomas may well keep his place having recovered from a tight hamstring in the Yorkshire game last Saturday.

Bednar and Martis are likely to stay on the bench as they have no ill effects from the suspected flu virus they had.

Derby manager Nigel Clough expects to name an unchanged squad for the visit of second placed Albion.

DERBY COUNTY’S Rob Hulse has warned former club West Brom: We don’t fear anyone at home.

The in-form striker, 30, today faces the promotion-chasing Baggies at Pride Park, where Derby have won their last two matches.

Hulse, who has been linked with a January move to Wolves, scored the winner in both games as Derby came from behind to beat Coventry and Reading.

He said: “We are a lot better at home and, on our day, have no one to be scared of in this division.

“We’re under no illusions because it’s a tough game but we will have a good go at them.”

Read more

New contract for Kiely the coach!

Roberto Di Matteo will consider extending Dean Kiely’s Albion contract after praising the veteran for improving number one Scott Carson.

The Baggies boss believes Carson’s work with temporary goalkeeping coach Kiely is paying off.

And he is delighted with the England international’s progress during the first three months of the season.

“At the start of the season I talked to Scott and he looked a bit unsure and shaky,” said Di Matteo.

“We’ve been talking and Dean has been working a lot with him. I feel he’s getting better.

“He’s doing a lot of good things and working with the team.

“He’s getting the right distances and coming for crosses, he comes out for the long ball over the top as well, which is really good.”

Di Matteo surprised Baggies fans at the start of the season by naming Carson as his new captain following the departure of Jonathan Greening to Fulham.

But the Italian has insisted he had no reservations about naming the former Liverpool and Villa shot-stopper as skipper despite his position between the sticks.

Read the rest of the story from the Express and Star

Chairman hides from Di Matteo

According to a report in the Express and Star today Roberto Di Matteo is quoted as saying “I have been to see the chairman and they are hiding from me as I am asking for some money. We have targets. I am not a manager who panics and rushes into decisions”.

The full report can be found here at the Express and Star website.

So, the Premiership is within the Baggies sites yet again, however, yet again Jeremy Peace is turning into the Hawthorns very own Scrooge again. Di Matteo looks like having to get the team promoted with the existing squad even though there are obvious weaknesses and any further injuries could result in team sheet shortages.

Although Albion’s books seem to stay in the black continually, many fans are getting sick and tired of the Chairman’s frugality, which many feel is stopping the Baggies getting a settled position in the country’s top flight.

So it looks like January being a quiet month for the Baggies, apart from maybe a loan or two. All down to the chairman’s belief that the January transfer window is not party to the January sales, he is a firm believer that there are no bargains to be had at this point in the season!

Perhaps this should have been mentioned to Di Matteo in the summer?

Freak kick and excershot win Baggies the points

The Baggies walked away from todays game at Leicester with all three points, the 3 points were literally won in the first half by a freakishly lucky freekick and such a powerful shot that it appeared to head for goal in a similar way that a missile heads for its target.

Jara’s goal, Albions 2nd made him the 15th different Albion scorer this season, it was a scorching shot from all of 3o yards after he had burst through from his own half. The shot powered through many bodies avoiding all obstacles and hit the back of the net with much velocity.

Albion never looked anything other than the victors in the first thirty minutes with the majority of the possession, two superb chances falling to Luke Moore, whom true to his self could not convert them. Moores first chance came when Dorrans set him free with a through ball and he burst off from Wayne Brown only to hesitate, leaving Brown the Foxes left back chance to get back and block Moores weak effort.

On 18 minutes Moore had an even more clear cut chance when Brunt fired a long high ball down the line that reached Zuiverloons feet who managed to fight for some space before pulling the ball back for Moore. Moore chose to put his shot too close to the Leicester keeper and another chance went begging.

These misses and Albion not taking the advantage despite their golden 30 minutes spurred the Foxes on to fight their way back in to the game, however, they were stunned by 2 great goals in the final 9 minutes of the half.

A Mathew Oakley foul on Jerome Thomas allowed for Dorrans to hit a weird and freakish free kick from 20 yards that weaved its way through the mass of players just resting in the net as it finished its momentum! Certainly will not be the best free kick that the Scottish youngster ever takes, but it sure counted for a goal.

Just 4 minutes Later Jara pops up to hit the second and seemingly kill off the game before the halfway point.

Leicester should have been level within a minute of the restart, as Matty Fryatt beat Jonas Olsson and Jara to cross for  Paul Gallagher, who missed a very easy chance from all of 6 feet. Before the hour mark both Brunt and Thomas came close to wrap the game up but both missed their golden opportunities. Moore missed another chance with 9 minutes left too.

As the game went in to its death the Foxes piled on the pressure and showed why they are so high up the table, forcing the Albion into a very deep and defensive position. With 5 minutes shown on the fourth officials board they fought desperately and managed to get 1 goal back when Gallagher had a free kick that Carson could not hold on too, allowing Berner to knock in the rebound. Albion defended really well, however, and deservedly kept the ball out of the net for a second time allowing them to keep up the pressure on top placed Newcastle whom also won.

Albion support RBL’s poppy appeal.

The Albion will be wearing specially designed shirts for tomorrow’s trip to Leicester, each player will be sporting a jersey with a poppy embroidered in the centre of the chest! The home team will also be wearing the same embroidered pattern on their shirts too.

After the game fans will be able to bid on each individual shirt by way of an auction run on the clubs own website wba.co.uk. All proceeds will be going to the Royal British Legion Poppy appeal, a very worthy cause and very much in the spotlight at present.

Last year the Albion claim to have raised in excess of £11,000 and are hoping to top the figure this year, showing how supportive they are of our military personnel both past and present.

Koren may be allowed an exit – Di Matteo

Albion boss Roberto Di Matteo today revealed that he may have to let unsettled midfielder Robert Koren leave The Hawthorns in January.

Although Robbie is keen to keep the Slovenia captain in his squad, he admitted he can understand Koren’s frustration over a lack of first-team action.

Captain of his national team and at an age where first team football matters Koren is not being unfair in his request for a transfer.

Koren is losing ground in the race for the team sheet, even to young midfielder Dorrans and has stated in interview that he is not happy playing as a wide player either, which is where most of his Albion outings have found him.

He also stated in the interview that his agent has been in touch with the Albion management over the possibility of a move. Interest from the Premier League is imminent without doubt, expected interest will come from Bolton, Fulham and Birmingham. Fulham are likely to be in the front of the running as Zoltan Gera’s move to Craven Cottage was arranged by the same agents that manage Koren. Tony Mowbray will no doubt be amongst the managers sniffing around too and a bid from Celtic could also be in the midst!

Albion have a tendancy not to let players go unless they are surplus to requirements or in their last year of contract and although Robert Korens contract expires this coming summer, the Albion have a right to a further 12 months.

Koren throws Albion future in doubt

The Express and Star story regarding Korens future seems to be spot in and well founded, so here we offer you a glimpse of what they said.

Original Article

Albion midfielder Robert Koren has thrown his future at the club into doubt by claiming to have asked the Baggies about the chance of a move in January.

The Slovenia captain has revealed in an interview in his homeland that he might have to leave the Hawthorns to get regular football in his preferred central midfield role.

Koren, who was among the stars of the club’s Championship triumph two years ago, has fallen down the pecking order this season with Youssouf Mulumbu, Graham Dorrans and even Gonzalo Jara selected ahead of him.

The 29-year-old has started just one Championship game in a central position this season, scoring in the home win against Ipswich.

Now, in an interview ahead of Slovenia’s crucial World Cup qualifying play-off against Russia, Koren has called his future into question but denied any rift with head coach Roberto Di Matteo.

The player said: ”I never got a chance in the centre, but always in a wing position. This was from the outset of the season after the arrival of new coach. Even in friendly matches, I never got the opportunity in the middle.”

Koren also admitted his agent has contacted Albion officials to ask about the possibility of a January departure.

The player added he would be willing to move abroad to get regular action, although he would favour staying in England, after spending three years with the Baggies.

Such comments are likely to grab the attention of Premier League clubs, after Koren was linked during the summer with a move back to the top flight.

The former Lillestrom midfielder played down talk of a summer exit and reaffirmed his commitment to the Baggies in an interview with the Express & Star during the club’s pre-season tour of Slovenia.

But a lack of first-team action in the first three months of the season has left the midfielder frustrated, with the emergence of Dorrans as a key figure further adding to his problems.

Barnett sent to coventry

Leon Barnett has today joined Coca-Cola Championship local rivals Coventry City.

He has moved on an emergency loan deal that expires on Jan 31st next year. The deal includes a recall clause after the first 28 days for the player who celebrates his 24th birthday later this month. Having played just 2 games in the Championship as a sub this season, Barnett seems to be off Di Matteos radar at least for the near future.

Was his goal in the recent reserves 10 nil drubbing of Burton Albion the last for the Baggies? Time will tell, however, he can be classed as too old for being a loanee sent out to gain experience so may well be heading out of the Hawthorns permanently.

Sol, Roman, Chris and Jonas

All 4 currently subject to discussion for various reasons:

Sol Campbell has been told that for a release from Notts County he must sign a 5 year gagging order! Now i would like to know, what is so secret now that will be without issue in 5 years? There must be some real dark secrets in Nottingham, just what are they up to?

Roman Bednar is in the news as he is hoped to be returning this coming Saturday for the Watford tie, he is certainly a requirement if the Albion are to make anything of this season and not lose the great head start that they have forged thus far. No criticism is due to young Woods and even Cox, however, Luke Moore has been the brunt of some fans frustration and one can only agree with the sentiment when he is still not producing. Talking of Brunt, Chris is also hoped to be available as fit this coming Saturday too!

Jonas suffered at Coventry from a few irate fans at the end of the game, now fans will get irate and take their frustrations out on players, this will always happen. Olsson was probably not the fairest of targets, however, he was the chosen one on Saturday. Now when a player is paid so much money and has a responsibility to set a decent example to both players and fans of the younger generation, reacting as he did when fans chose to subject him to abuse was very poor and unprofessional.

4-4-1-1 sees a return for Meite and Koren too

Robbie has changed formation and recalled both Koren and Meite in an attempt to turn the tide at the Ricoh this afternoon.

The surprise is Cech dropping to the bench, however, with Meite replacing him.

Lone striker Luke Moore will be supported by Dorrans sitting just off him!

Bednar misses a second game, still unfit from his back injury.

COVENTRY (4-4-2): Westwood, Wright, Cranie, Turner, Aanholt, Clarke, Cork, Osbourne, McIndoe, Eastwood, Morrison. Subs: Dimi, Bell, Hussey, Ward, Madine, Grandison, Cain.

ALBION (4-4-1-1): Carson, Zuiverloon, Meite, Olsson, Mattock, Thomas, Mulumbu, Jara, Koren, Dorrans, Moore. Subs: Kiely, Reid, Teixeira, Cox, Martis, Cech, Wood.

Ref: K Stroud (Hants).

Baggies Swansea live 60 second updates

A bright start by both with early chances for both teams, Swansea having the better of the two chances in the first minute.

Zuiverloon has been shown as showing a few weaknesses in the opening 5 minutes or so and been subject to a talking to by the 4th official for some reason too.

Swanseas Dyer smashes a shot well over on 5 minutes. Dyer now breaks down the right at some good pace putting the Albion under pressure by beating mattock, however, Mulumbu was on hand to force a goal kick.

Dorrans takes a shot that is close after some good pace shown by the Scottish Youngster, however, it is weak and off target.

Albion have a freekick on 12 minutes with Cech looking to beat the wall, however, Dorrans surprises everyone by taking the kick and blasting well over again.

Counter attack by Swansea sees Beattie forcing Scott Carson to give away a throw in.

Zuiverloon feeds Moore who makes very little of it and returns to Zuiverloon who loses it allowing another counter attack.

Dyer runs at Mattocks again, however Mattocks is up for it this time and clears.

Painter feeds a few attacks down the line and seems to have the better of the Albion.

Cech gets caught offside on the touchline in the 18th minute, surely he should be able to gauge that better?

Young Criss Woods is not holding the ball up too well and drops Zuiverloon in to trouble forcing him to give away a cheap free kick.

Thomas feeds Moore, who again loses the ball giving Swansea another break which culminates in an offside on the edge of the box.

Thomas is felled in the area on 20 minutes, however, Mr D’Urso waves away the claims to what looked like a certain penalty.

Van Der Gun is found in the box, however, forced out by Olsson and Albion win a throw in.

Painter feeds Beattie down the left who returns it to Painter, then back to Gower and back to the keeper.

An open game so far and chances at both ends, however, Albion have the better chances but cannot capitalise on them.

Zuiverloon takes a throw in 20 yards in to the Swansea half and the ball bounces around a few players before Dorrans ends up in a shooting position that he fluffs once again.

Gower and Dyer swop wings to add a bit of confusion to the Albion on 25 minutes.

Albion need a goal to settle themselves, however, Swansea are not giving in just yet.

Thomas with a freekick 20 yards out and again it is wasted, not even on target.

Swansea come back on to the attack led by Gower, however, a hand ball is allowed when Thomas takes the ball and breaks. He gives the ball away soon after.

Zuiverloon takes a throw in 2 thirds into the Swansea half, which is then run out for a further throw in. Zuiverloon takes it, it gets passed back and he tries to attack the goal but is beaten to the ball.

Carson takes a goal kick and passes straight to Woods who chests it down, however, is deemed to have fouled. Swansea attack from the freekick, pass down the right wing to Dyer, who sends it in along the touch line to Beattie who forces a tremendous save from Carson.

Bomber Brown reckons Albion are flat tonight and need to come to life or may suffer.

Mulumbu to Dorrans, to Mattock back to Dorrans who tries to thread it through to moore without sucess. Swansea counter.

Jara sends ball through to woods, who seems bereft of an idea of what to do with it.

33 minutes see Di Matteo having an unusual moan at the 4th official.

Albion attack once again and Wood has an easy chance from 6 yards, however, puts it over the bar.

Dorrans and Mulumbu play well together and pass the ball back and forth before Marcus Painter takes Thomas out when he gets the ball and painter see’s the yellow card.

Albion seem top heavy on the right hand side and need to force some issues on the left.

Zuiveloon gets a great touch to stop a certian Swansea chance by giving away a left hand corner at the brummie rd end.

The corner is intercepted by Luke Moore who forces a terrific save from Carson with probably the best shot he has made this season. Shame it was the wrong direction, however, good job it was saved so well.

Beattie is really up for it tonight, playing much better than he ever played for the Albion.

Gower passes through to Van Der Gunn leaving Albion in all sorts of trouble, however, Van Der Gunn puts it well wide when he had just an open goal to beat.

Albion get out of jail there.

Woods again shows hi age and inexperience with another fluffed chance.

Dyer goes down in the Albion area, however, the ref says it was too easy and waves play on.

Jara relieves Beattie of the ball and passes on to Dorrans who plays a 1 2 with Mulumbu, however, sloppily they lose the ball.

Gower flys down the right to be met by Olsson and beats him, however, Zuiverloon clears.

Albion are giving the ball away too easy.

Painter on the outside plays the ball back to defence, they pass it around on 44 minutes before making an attack and claim a corner.

Gower takes the corner and Williams forces a punched clearance.

1 minute to be added on

A long ball forward to Moore sees him try to hook the keeper placing it just wide.

Beattie runs down the right with the ball as the ref blows for half time.

Lets hope the Baggies come out with a little more venom in the 2nd half.

No changes for the second half so far, although no sign of Koren and Teixiera is doing some stretches.

Moore and Cech are still not out and news that Newcastle are losing should give albion a boost.

Teixiera and Koren replace Cech and Moore.

Koren is playing off Woods, and immediatelly sends Wood on the attack but he is easily dispossesed.

Thomas runs hard at the Swans but runs into a brickwall winning a free kick.

Thomas takes freekick putting it straight in to the box to be cleared by beattie.

Albion again get theball in thebox only for Williams to clear it.

Dorrans picks up a loose ball passing it back to carson.

Carson sends the ball out to Jara on to Mattocks then thomas and given away.

Albion look more up for it now and in control.

Dorrans gets caught in possession in the swansea half and a swansea counter is snubbed out by Jara.

Koren goes on the march, however, runs in to trouble.

Its wave wave after wave of Albion attacks.

Then Beattie gets free with the ball and scores an easy goal.

A really bright start goes wrong for the baggies, however they go straight back on the attack with Mulumbu and Koren, ball ends up with Zuiverloon who cross is met by the arms of the keeper.

Albion are not for giving up.

Swansea get an attack with 4 against 3, however, Van Der Gunn gives the ball away.

Albion seem to be falling apart having reacting well initially to the goal conceded.

Thomas finds the ball on the half way line and breaks forcing a save form the keeper.

The Hawthorns is alive with the sound of music, sadly its Welsh voices doing the singing.

Beattie and Prattly work an attack, however, Carson is good enough to cope with a weak shot.

Swansea look in control and a yard quicker than the Albion. Albion are falling back too deep and wanting to pass the ball around.

Tiexiera knock the ball past a swansea right back, however, is brought down and awarded a free kick which comes to nothing. Koren returns the favour on Gower giving a free kick away.

Thomas and the 2 subs seem to be making progress and the only likely suspects to make anything happen.

Dorrans sends tiexiera down the right but he has no support and loses it.

Wood finds himself free in front of goal and forces a punched clearance for a corner even though the albion had 2 offside players.

Albions Zuiverloon sends the corner in, williams clears to mulumbu, however, again nothing comes of it.

Koren to dorrans to mattocks down the left and in towards dorrans but the keeper intercepts a lazy ball.

Dorrans picks out Zuiverloon down the right who feeds it in to the box and a real chance is cleared by tate.

Dyer heads down the right and appears to go out of player, however the ref waves play on.

Butler is coming on to replace dyer and swansea seem to be putting the shutters down now.

Albion will do well to get anything from this now, with the shutters down and no real goal getters on the pitch, perhaps they should send olsson up front.

Mulumbu and teixiera work well down the right until mulumbu runs the ball out.

Mulumbu attack again with a decent spell of pressure, however, no sign just yet. Although Tiexiera forces another corner.

Butler eventually smashes away the right wing corner after albion find no real way to creat a solid opportunity.

Van Der gunn races down the right with butler on the end of his croos, however, carson does enough to force him to concede a throw in.

Koren shhots but cleared of the line, swansea break but not far and koren has another chance until he is fouled and the ref stops a great opportunity by not allowing play to carry on.

Free kick from dorrans.

Popped in but headed out by swansea and albion try again without success. 22 mins to go.

Mulumbu breaks finds woods who shoots but no power and the keeper easily grasps the ball.

Wrangel puts the ball off thomas for a throw in, however, albion get the ball back and gain a free kick.

Mulumbu, mattock and zuiverloon work it though the midfield to wood, however, it puts him in trouble and he gives the ball away. Its just too much for a 17 year old to cope with.

Tiexiera runs at the right of the swansea defence, crosses and forces a left wing corner.

Albion appeal for another penalty as the defender nearly catches the corner without a result. The ref seems not to want to give much away here.

Albion are surely only minutes away from a goal. Young Cox is about to come on, but for whom?

Allen on for gower for the swans and cox on for mattocks.

Butler fouled by wood in the albion half and swans stutter to take the free kick.

Cox gets a first touch with a very good chance, shoots and hits it just wide of the post.

Tiexiera delivers a cross in but butler smashes it out for a free kick.

Thomas goes past wrangel, however, runs the ball out and looks like he his fouled inn the process, however, penalty shout number 3 goes without success.

Prattley fouls thomas and gets a booking for the pleasure.

Another swansea goal kick with 20 mins left.

22,000 is the reported attendance.

Thomas again fouled by rangel.

Games goes a little quiet but gets busy again with a long range effort from butler.

Albion need this win for a gap at the top of the table.

Mulumbu loses the ball to williams who chases the ball with tiexiera and albion clear. Only to williams who runs at the albion who easily disposses him.

Thomas get the ball goes on the break, however, runs it out on 82 minutes.

Jara fouls richards gaining a yellow card.

Scott carson catches the ball from off beatties head

It is looking more and more like the top two both losing, however, have albion got what it takes to change this?

Swansea throw in towards beattie but albion get the ball back and mulumbu breaks passing to tiexiera who loses the ball.

Jara feeds thomas in the area who crosses only for it to be headed clear.

Jara feeds zuiverloon who loses it and butler breaks and forces carson to push it off the post and out.

Swansea are looking more likely now although jara feeds tiexiera who runs along the by line crosses but very poorly and its a goal kick.

Albion throw in level with the box near the woodman corner

Olsson flicks it on but butler clears

Jara gets it in the box but butler clears again

Thomas get a good shot but puts it in to the side netting

3 mins added time left.

Albion have a throw in on the left, 2 mins left, jara to dorrans to jara to thomas for another throw in

Jara gets it in to olsson who heads it down and woods has an easy chance but puts it wide

Dorrans fouls and loses albion the imputus although it seems the albion just had their chance

The whistle goes and the sound of boos ring out around the hawthorns after a bad display against a side that were 16th in the table.

This was not the display that is expected of a table topping club. Pretty football destroyed by a swansea team that came with a mission and out foxed the Albion.

Albion are short again of strike power and cannot rely on a second rate moore, and 2 youngsters in cox and woods.

Di Matteo will not be a happy chappie!

Albion Swansea game delayed and we have a female lineswoman

Tonights game has been delayed due to traffic congestion around the vicinity of the Hawthorns and will be underway very soon with a female lineswoman!

Albion play in the usual blue and white stripes with Swansea in red and black.

Team Sheet for tonights game.

Albion make just 1 forced change for tonights visit of Swansea, thats Chris Woods in for the injured Roman Bednar.

Scott Carson, Gianni Zuiverloon, Joe Mattock, Jonas Olsson, Gonzalo Jara, Marek Cech, Graham Dorrans, Youssouf Mulumbu, Jerome Thomas, Chris Woods, Luke Moore.

Substitutes: Dean Kiely (GK), Simon Cox, Abdoulaye Meite, Filipe Teixeira, Shelton Martis, Robert Koren, Reuben Reid.

Dorus de Vries; Angel Rangel, Ashley Williams, Alan Tate (C), Marcos Painter; Leon Britton, Darren Pratley, Mark Gower, Cedric van der Gun, Nathan Dyer; Craig Beattie.

Substitutes: David Cornell (GK), Jordi Lopez, Lee Trundle, Joe Allen, Tom Butler, Jazz Richards, Besian Idrizaj.

Ref A D’Urso Essex

Walsall 2 Albion 2 – Match Highlights

Pre-match fitness boosts for Albion in the shape of Graham Dorrans able to make his first start of the season and Simon Cox returning to action after both had suffered injury. The teams came out to a small crowd of under 5000 at the Banks Stadium , of which more than half were Albion supporters.

Within the first minute of the game Scott Carson had to come to Albion’s rescue after losing possession deep in their own half, Richards managed a 15 yard shot which was saved only by Carsons legs. Walsall were going to be no push overs and were looking to get one over the Albion in this local derby, minutes later Samuels was forced to clear off the line too.

Albion slowly managed to start to control the game, with Moore making his own chances and forcing a save from Ince. Then in the 12th minute Cox set Koren free and the Slovenian captain managed to get to the ball before the Walsall keeper, Clayton Ince then took him out and cleared the ball, however, the ref waved play on denying what was a sure fire penalty.

The rest of the early part of the first half continued in the vein, however, Albion just seemed to be squandering chance after change. 2 corners from Cech and Cox were wasted as were countless breaks, if direct hits on the goal keeper scored points Albion would have been 10 up!

Approaching the half time whistle the Albion were seemingly coasting, knocking the ball around easily and could even have been accused of showboating. Then, it all fell apart echoing many games from last season when Taundry dropped a cross in to the Albion box which was knocked on by Richards and tucked in to the net by Mattis.

Within another 2 minutes Albion had still not settled to the fact that they were a goal behind when, Walsall broke again and this time Richards hit a curling shot from 20 yrds into the top right hand corner.

So with surely 805 possession Albion still found themselves going in at half time 2 goals for the worse.

At half time Dorrans was replaced by Mulumbu, a change made due to Dorrans being exhausted and not below par. Once the second half was underway Albion had 2 very quick long range shots thaat failed to trouble Ince.

The Baggies slowly got back on top and Cox came very close from a Brunt cross. It was now time for some wholesale changes and Beattie, Zuiverloon and Abdoulaye Meite all came on. After 61 minutes Brunt again crossed and this time Moore took his time and slotted the ball home from short range. This was closely followed by what should have been an equaliser when Zuiverloon supplied Koren who was on the right wing, he managed a great pass in to Brunt who shot over from 15 yards.

Brunt’s terrific right-wing centre dissected the two Saddlers centre-halves and Moore chested the ball down in the box before clinically firing home. Albion continued to dominate and Moore could have netted on 3 separate occasions with the next 10 minutes. Beattie also squandered a few chances before his 87th minute equaliser from the penalty spot after Moore was felled in the box by Gilmartin, when he smashed the ball home.

WALSALL (4-4-2): Ince (Gilmartin HT); Weston (Westlake HT), Hughes (C), Smith (Roberts 67), Vincent; Taundry (Geddes 78), Bradley (Davies HT), Mattis (O’Keefe HT), Richards (Adkins 62); Deeney (Jones HT), Nicholls (Parkin HT). Sub not used: Till.

ALBION (4-4-2): Carson; Samuels (Zuiverloon 58), Barnett (Meite 58), Olsson, Cech; Koren (Valero 83), Greening (C) (Kim 83), Dorrans (Mulumbu HT), Brunt (Teixeira 67); Cox (Beattie 58), Moore. Sub not used: Kiely (GK).

GOALS: WALSALL – Mattis (44), Richards (45+1). ALBION – Moore (61), Beattie (87 pen).

REFEREE: A Penn.

ATTENDANCE: 4,358

West Brom squad list for 2009/10 announced

Simon Cox the new £1.9million striker has been given the No.31 shirt and Jonas Olsson has moved from 26 to number 3 taking Paul Robinsons old jersey.

17 year old New Zealand international Chris Wood and Youssouf Mulumbu, ex  Paris Saint-Germain player have been given 15 and 21 respectively.

Joss Labadie (25), David Worrall (29), Paul Downing (30), Lateef Elford-Alliyu (32), Dwayne Samuels (33), Josh Knight (34) and Romaine Sawyers (35) are all youngsters that have been granted a senior shirt.

A new West Bromwich Albion news and blog site

Westbromblog.co.uk where i will be aiming to keep you up to date with news and events from the Hawthorns

Read more...