Posts Tagged ‘jerome thomas’

West Brom Preston Team Sheet

Yet again Di Matteo is forced to make changes to a winning team, having not played the same team twice for the last 2 months almost.

Ishmael Miller starts up front as a replacement for Luke Moore in the lone striker position. Moore drops to the bench, Gianni Zuiverloon replaces injured Jonas Olsson.

Jerome Thomas has recovered, however, only makes the bench.

Preston make two changes, with former Baggie Richard Chaplow and Michael Hart coming in for Billy Jones and Paul Coutts.

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

PRESTON: Lonergan, Hart, Davidson, St Ledger, Chilvers, Sedgwick, Chaplow, James, Wallace, Brown, Mellor. Subs: Henderson (gk), Collins, Treacy, Carter, Parkin, Barton, Miller.

REFEREE: J Singh (Middlesex).

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 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 team news

Luke Moore returns tonight for the trip to Swansea and is joined by Ben Watson and Abdoulaye Meite as new faces to the team compared to last Saturdays home victory over Blackpool.

Luke Moore has recovered from flu as we mentioned earlier today and will start up front on his own, Miller ends up on the bench as a recovered substitute after his first start Saturday for over 15 months.

Meite replaces the injured Steven Reid, Gabriel Tamas will move over to right back and Ben Watson replaces Morrison who drops to the bench. Gianni Zuiverloon makes the subs bench but there is no place for the injured Roman Bednar and Jerome Thomas.

SWANSEA (4-5-1): De Vries; Rangel, Tate, Williams, Monk; Dyer, van der Gun, Britton, Pratley, Gower; Kuqi. Subs: Cornell (gk), Richards, Cotterill, Pintado, Beattie, Bauza, Trundle.

ALBION (4-5-1): Carson; Tamas, Meite, Olsson, Cech; Koren, Watson, Mulumbu, Dorrans, Brunt; Moore. Subs: Kiely (gk), Morrison, Miller, Cox, Barnes, Mattock, Zuiverloon.
REFEREE: R East (Wiltshire).

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.

Albion Blackpool teams, Miller starts

Ishmael Miller gets his first start in over 15 months this afternoon against the Tangerines.

Di Matteo makes 2 chamges to the winning midweek team. After a superb goal midweek it is no surprise that the other addition to the starting lineup is Robert Koren who replaces the injured Jerome Thomas.

Luke Moore is the man replaced by Miller, he is ill and not on the bench, however, a nearly fit again Bednar is on the bench.

Ian Holloway names an unchanged Tangerines side to the one that beat Ipswich 1-0 a week ago.

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

BLACKPOOL (4-4-2): Gilks; Edwards, Baptiste, Eardley, Martin; Southern, Adam, Vaughan, Dobbie; Campbell, Euell. Subs: Rachubka (gk), Clarke, Burgess, Ormerod, Butler, Bannan, Husband.

REFEREE: J Moss (West Yorkshire).

Nouble Off whilst Koren and Barnes Speak out.

Roman Bednar is fighting hard to get fit in time for the visit of Blackpool to the Hawthorns, whilst Jerome Thomas is a major doubt with a hamstring injury suffered during the Owls game midweek.

Bednar has been missing from the Baggies team for 3 games with to a groin injury but could just make it to face Ian Holloway’s men if he comes through training tomorrow.

“We’ll have to wait until tomorrow to see if Roman is okay,” said Di Matteo.

“If he is able to train with the team then we will include him for selection on Saturday.

“If he is not able to train then he will be out of the picture.

“Jerome Thomas is very doubtful for Saturday.

“I found out after the game he had a little problem.

“It’s not a bad injury, it’s a tight hamstring and we’ll see how it improves.”

Simon Cox is a better prognosis, he is now fit and available to play should he be called upon.

Frank Nouble has returned to West Ham after the Albion decided not to extend his loan any longer.

Giles Barnes spoke today of how he has called on his team mates to reproduce the battling sprit from the Owls victory and coast to promotion with ease.

“Everyone who comes to us has to be scrappy because they won’t beat us in a football game of out-passing us,” said Barnes.

“After about 60 to 70 minutes you know things can happen so it’s a case of riding the storm.

“I don’t think we should look at other teams, just keep getting win, win, win and not worry about other teams.

“Even when we go away people try to stop us playing football and get in our faces.

“But we proved on Tuesday we can get into people’s faces and battle.

“It’s was a massive win.

“It was massive for the whole club not just the head coach.

“If we can lock down that automatic spot then we’ll be happy.

“We have to get our professional head back on and be ready for Saturday.”

Robert Koren meanwhile issued a similiar statement when professing how he does not want to end up in the lottery of the play off’s.

Koren who scored a tremendous goal midweek to gain all 3 points for the Albion was at the club when they suffered defeat at the hands of Derby in the play off final at Wembley, he has no desire to suffer the stress or upset of that again.

“I was involved in the play-offs when I arrived at the club and my experience is not nice,” said Koren.

“I prefer the top two so hopefully we will get good results at the end of the season and stay out of the play-offs.

“The play-offs are very difficult and there is a lot of pressure on those games.

“I think we have enough quality to show in the last 11 games that we are good enough.

“We have done a great job so far and we need to stick together.

“We have our fans behind us and they are doing a great job, and on the field we have to play our part.

“Everybody needs to play a part and if we believe it as one, we can do it.”

Koren would like nothing better than to be travelling to the World Cup as a premiership player and thinks the return of long term injured players will bolster the Albion and help secure automatic promotion.

“That is one of the biggest things,” Koren added.

“We have a big squad now with good players and it’s good to see all of the injured players coming back.

“They are showing the right spirit and from the first one to the last one we need to look like a team together.

“From the first to the last everybody has to stick together as a team.

“It’s not about personal things, it doesn’t matter who is playing, we need to stick together, get the right results and reach first or second place at the end of the 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.”

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.

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.

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.

Jara out for the season – 7 to miss the Cardiff trip?

News that Gonzalo Jara is out for the rest of the season brings more headaches and a possible need to make more use of the emergency loan option.

The Chile international has taken an xray that has shown a fractured a metatarsal to his right foot.

Di Matteo will now be without seven regulars to choose from for tomorrows trip to Cardiff.

Abdoulaye Meite has a badly bruised ankle that won’t heal in time for the Cardiff game. also missing will be Youssouf Mulumbu and Jerome Thomas who are both suspended, Marek Cech, Ishmael Miller and James Morrison are also out with hamstring, ankle and heel injuries respectively.

Andy Slory may recover in time from the pre match warm up Achilles injury, and certain to start will be Frank Nouble who missed out at Reading due to being cup tied.

Di Matteo said: “It’s really bad news for us regarding Gonzalo.

“He got caught on the follow through and as well as having an open wound, he has also fractured a metatarsal.

“I don’t think he will play again this season, which is a massive blow for us.

Surely this whole injury crisis has to be in part, down to the very heavy schedule so far this month.

“He should recover in time for the World Cup but, unfortunately for both him and Chile, he won’t be playing any football in the next two-and-a-half months.

“Abou won’t be available tomorrow either. He was on the end of a nasty tackle. His ankle is badly bruised and he’s in a bit of pain.

“Andy didn’t train yesterday and we’ll have to assess him. But we haven’t ruled him out.”

Di Matteo said the quick turnaround of games means it is unlikely the club will be able to bring any fresh loan signings in for the Cardiff trip.

“Everyone knows we have an interest in Jason Koumas but there’s no more news on that one,” he added.

“He’s one of several players we’re interested in but nothing’s been done yet.”

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.”

Plymouth, Albion, Thomas all charged by FA

An FA statement reads: “Plymouth Argyle and West Bromwich Albion have both been charged with failing to control their players following an incident in the fixture at Home Park on Saturday 6 February 2010.

The charges relate to major fracas between both sets of players, staff and officials in the Championship fixture.

Both clubs have until 24 February to respond to the charges.

Jerome Thomas also faces an FA charge of violent conduct following his late on red card for a challenge on David McNamee.

The Baggies midfielder will attend a personal hearing at the FA this Tuesday week.

An automatic 4 game ban started for Thomas last night forcing him to miss the Scunthorpe victory, following Saturday’s game as it was his second straight red card of the season. He was also sent off in Septemberwhen Albion played Arsenal in the league cup.

Tempers boiled over in the closing stages of Albion’s 1-0 win at Home Park with Baggies winger Jerome Thomas getting a red card for a professional foul.

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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).

West Brom Scunthorpe Preview

West Brom will be aiming to keep up the pressure on Newcastle the Championship leaders and fight of Notts Forest who are hot on their tails for the 2nd auto promotion spot to the Premiership.

The Iron come to the Hawthorns at a time when the Albion have found their form both at home and away at long last. Scunthorpe will still be smarting from the late Crystal Palace winner on Saturday, after making a break from the risky bottom of the table with 2 wins before that game. Nigel Adkins this morning confirmed that he will be without Marcus Williams and Garry Thompson for tonights game at the Hawthorns.

Left-back Williams is banned for 1 game after the sending off at Palace on Saturday, when he committed a professional foul on Kieron Djilali. Williams has a hamstring injury and will not be available for a few weeks.

West Brom will probably give fresh in the door loan signee Frank Nouble his debut in place of the 4 match banned Jerome Thomas. His arrival is designed to combat the loss of Ishmael Miller, however, he is equally capable of playing an attacking midfield position or as a winger on either side too. Andy Slory is also competing for his first start on the wing too, so it could be a toss up between the ex Feyenoord player and the ex West Ham player. It is doubtful that both will get a starting place, however, very likely that one will be on the bench and one on the pitch at the start.

Marek Cech is ruled out once again with the hamstring injury that will see him miss at least another week and a half. Jonas Olsson, Gonzalo Jara and Robert Koren will all be pressing for a recall and whilst missing at Plymouth will be in contention, as Di Matteo will likely ring changes due to the stack up of games this month.

The ever present Roman Bednar may well be a casualty tonight down to the same issue of fitness levels befa;
lling the whole team and the club have stressed how they do not want to burn out 22 year old Graham Dorran’s too.

Giles Barnes and James Morrison are both long term injury concerns and unlikely to be available until April at the earliest.

Tonight’s betting news is as you would expect favouring the Baggies and the only way to make a killing will be to choose a scorer or even a scorer and Albion win.

A Roman Bednar first goal in a 3 to nil win see’s a return of £280 for a tenner. You can get any tenner bet matched with a free tenner bet if you sign up with Sky Bet through West Brom Blog, meaning that your £10 would return £560 instead of £280, what better time than to take your free tenner bet with Sky Bet than today.

Sky are offering 2/5 for an Albion win, 10/3 on a draw and 15/2 on an unlikely Scunthorpe victory.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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Cider Boys defeated as easy as crushing apples

In a game that threatened to put a stop to the Albions winning run, a match that pitted one of the best form teams in the division against  a bouyant Albion, the Baggies pointed out within 12 minutes that the winning streak was to continue.

West Brom massacared Bristol City 4-1 to climb above Newcastle at the Championship summit, although the Toon have a game in hand.

Much of the damage was done inside the first 12 minutes as Jerome Thomas and Chris Brunt both fired home.

A Louis Carey own goal and Simon Cox’s second Championship goal of the season then killed off any hope Bristol City had at the start of the second half, before Paul Hartley netted a consolation in the 83rd minute.

The teams were welcomed on the pitch by very typical British autumn weather, the Black Country was awash, with rain and wind swirling around The Hawthorns. The crowd of over 23,000 were kept warm if not dry by a very entertaining match, although 3,000 of them were doomed to a sad journey back to the cider fields of Bristol.

Gianni Zuiverloon had to clear Cole Skuse’s effort off the line in the 3rd minute, but a fresh Albion side counter atacked at speed and opened the scoring at the other end just 30 seconds later.

Thomas rounded off a sweeping move as he cut in from the left before firing a fierce shot into the bottom corner from the edge of the penalty area.

Scott Carson was forced to tip Carey’s header over the crossbar before Brunt doubled West Brom’s lead with just 12 minutes gone.

Scotland midfielder Graham Dorrans found his Northern Irish team-mate with a great throughball and he rounded Dean Gerken before firing home from an acute angle to put the home side in control.

Chances

But Carson was soon called upon to deny the lively Nicky Maynard before Dorrans himself side-footed wide from close range when he really should have put the result beyond doubt.

Chances were coming at either end as City midfielder Hartley then lashed a free-kick inches wide and, with the visitors more than holding their own, the difference at the half-time interval proved to be Albion’s ability to take their chances.

But if the game was still somewhat in the balance at the break then it was all over just two minutes after the restart.

Cox picked up the ball and sent a shot goalwards, which appeared to be going wide, until Carey stepped in to intercept and could only fire the ball into his own net.

Albion were threatening a rout as they made it 4-0 just 53 seconds later – Cox sliding in to convert Marek Cech’s cross from close range and put his name on the scoresheet.

From then on in it was a case of going through the motions for Albion, with Zuiverloon failing to pull the trigger when in a great position to make it 5-0 while Danny Haynes wasted a good chance at the other end.

But the Robins did grab a consolation in the 83rd minute through Hartley’s stunning free-kick, which deserved to be worth more.

The Albion enjoyed a series of superb performances throughout the team – Brunt, Cox, Jara and Zuiverloon were all on top of their game, helping the Albion once again pull clear of the play-off contenders.

Joe Mattock was stretchered off before the break with a foot injury and will undergo xrays this evening to find out the extent of the injury.

Todays four goals took Albion’s total to 11 in three games and sees them top of the Coca-Cola Championship scoring table with 35 from 17 games.

ALBION (4-4-2): Carson, Zuiverloon, Meite, Olsson, Mattock (Cech 30), Brunt, Jara, Dorrans (Mulumbu 57), Thomas, Moore, Cox (Koren 78). Subs not used: Kiely, Wood, Martis, Teixeira.

CITY (3-5-2): Gerken, Carey, McCombe, Nyatanga, Skuse, Elliott (Johnson 78), Sno (Clarkson 78), Hartley, McAllister (Williams 17), Maynard, Haynes. Subs not used: Basso, Fontaine, Sproule, Saborio.

GOALS: ALBION – Thomas (3), Brunt (12), Cox (46, 48). CITY – Hartley (83).

BOOKINGS: ALBION – Cox (simulation 78).

Ref: Michael Oliver (Northumberland).

ATTENDANCE: 23,444.

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.

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