Posts Tagged ‘roberto di matteo’

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.

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

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.

Bednar out, Miller and Barnes in?

Roman Bednar may well miss the trip to QPR this weekend, however, there is some great news in the fact that Roberto Di Matteo has confirmed Ishmael Miller and Giles Barnes are possible starters for the Loftus Road clash.

Bednar has a groin problem, picked up versus Reading in the cup replay and may be unfit to play. Barnes stepped up his comeback from long-term injury midweek when playing all 90 minutes of the Walsall reserves game. Miller on the other hand played for 70 minutes in the same game, a sure sign that his ankle must now be up to the job.

The returning internationals have all signed back in at the Hawthorns without a glimmer of an injury and Di Matteo had this to say:

“All the internationals will be reporting back tomorrow morning for training,” said the Hawthorns boss.

“Some are back already and some are not depending on where they’ve travelled from.

“Everyone seems to have come through the games fine.

“Roman Bednar is still injured and is doubtful for Saturday.

“Miller and Barnes played in the reserves on Tuesday night and both are in contention for Saturday.

“It’s good news.”

Michael Appleton has spoken of his surprise at Giles Barnes’ comeback from injury, the youngster on joined the Baggies last month and was still recovering from a ruptured Achilles he suffered last summer.

“I think he is ready, from my point of view and what I saw on Tuesday,” said Appleton.

“I was delighted he got 90 minutes. He looked strong at times and I knew he was quick without the ball but I didn’t realise he was that quick with the ball!

“For me he is around about ready for a place on the bench.

“Whether he gets that is a different question and one the head coach has to decide on.

“But I’m sure he will be in our thoughts on Saturday in terms of being on the bench.”

“He has probably surprised the playing staff,” the Baggies’ first-team coach added.

“But the work he has put in behind the scenes with the physios has been second to none and the physio and sports department have been working hard with him.

“They deserve to take a bit of credit because there was a lot of work he needed to do in the gym in terms of rehab and ‘prehab’ work and he did a lot of that before he even got onto the field.

“We are delighted he is at the stage he is now but I don’t think he would have been if he hadn’t done the work previously.

“He is a talented player who has been in the Premier League with Derby and he has played in some big games in the past.

“He has been to two or three clubs and had trial periods and it hasn’t worked out for him.

“Whether those clubs have been prepared to take a chance is another question.

“You would have to ask them.

“From our point of view, we recognised that he needed to do a lot of work before he even tried to kick a ball or get back on the training field or somewhere close to the first team.

“And the lad’s attitude and work rate to do all that before he even started to kick a ball was spot on – and that’s why we took a gamble on him.

“Touch wood he can stay away from injury because, if he can, we’ve got a real player on our hands.”

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.”

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.”

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 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.

Injury updates for Bristol game

Roberto Di Matteo is hoping that a few extra days rest will help to get his injured squad back to fitness. Luckily, no further injuries were picked up last night, other wise not only would we be seeing youth’s on the bench, but more than likely playing.

Youssouf Mulumbu has now served his one game suspension and will be back for the televised trip to Ashton Gate.

Bednar’s a possibility, however, not a certainty. The Czech international picked up a back injury and although named on the subs bench, this was just to make the numbers up as he would not have been able to take part even if required, showing how desperately short the Albion currently are.

The Bristol game being put back for TV has given the injured an extra day to recover.

Di Matteo had the following to say:

“Roman has a back problem and wasn’t available to play.

“But playing on Sunday gives everyone an extra day to recover.

“We’ll have Youssouf back from suspension and we’re hoping Roman will be fit too.

Di Matteo has also spoken on the chase for loan signings:

“We are working away but it’s always hard to bring the right players in,”.

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).

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).

No Di Matteo FA Charge

The FA have this afternoon stated that Roberto Di Matteo will not have to face a disciplinary hearing over the comments he made regarding referee Stuart Attwell’s decision to award Ipswich a penalty during the 1 to 1 draw at Ipswich on January 26.

The FA had written asking the Albion head coach for his observations in respect of remarks he made regarding Attwell.

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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.”

Giles Barnes move to Hawthorns secured

Albion have signed former Derby winger Giles Barnes on an eighteen month contract, the Baggies have given the the youngster of just 22 years a lifeline in his battle to rebuild his career.

Barnes has been at the Hawthorns training with Roberto Di Matteo’s side for many weeks and the Baggies have given the former England youth international the chance he has been after.

As usual with all Albion contracts there is an option to extend it for a year and it is thought to be based more on games and results than just a basic salary, this being down to the youngsters long spell of injury.

The talented youngster is unlikely to regain full fitness before the end of the season, however, the Albion are happy to wait and there is an outside chance he may make the final few games.

Awkwardly enough the youngster bad spell of injury came from a broken foot sustained during the Derby play-off final victory over Albion in 2007.

knee ligament damage and a ruptured Achilles tendon since that time resulted in him being released from his contract at Pride Park just before the festive season.

Whilst with the Baggies he must have shown enough promise to convince The Hawthorns medical staff he can regain full fitness.

Young Giles Barnes was allowed to sign after the transfer deadline as he was a free agent and under the rules of the transfer embargo in just the same way as loans are still allowed too. Di Matteo has confirmed his plans to use the emergency loan market to bolster his squad for the remainder of the season after the Baggies were unable to add to the transfer window signings of Gabriel Tamas and Andy Slory.

“We made an effort for Victor Moses but we weren’t lucky there,” said the Italian. “A Premier League team came in and we couldn’t compete with that. We got Andy Slory and we were looking to get one or two more players in but it’s difficult in the loan market. Everybody is there but you have to identify the right player who will give our squad a boost. Strengthening our squad is not easy. The emergency loan market opens on February 9 so we will still be looking to make one or two additions to our squad.”

Blackpool West Bromwich Albion Preview.

West Brom have the chance to get back in to the automatic promotion places tonight when making the long trip up the M6 to Blackpool.

Blackpool are looking towards the play offs and in seventh place will be no pushovers, however, Roberto Di Matteo’s Baggies have a game in hand on Nottingham Forest and a win at Bloomfield Road will see them move up above them.

Albion new boy, Andy Slory is available for the Baggies to pick, however, the Dutchman is highly unlikely to be offered more than a place on the bench. The winger signed for Albion from Feyenoord Monday, however, due to Hollands winter football break, Slory has not played competitive football since bChristmas and cannot possibly be match fit.

Roberto Di Matteo will be reluctant to make any changesanyway as Saturday’s impressive display in the 3-1 home victory over Sheffield United shows little need to do so.

Joe Mattock has been missing from training due to illness, however, Marek Cech is playing in the position very well so there is little chance he will get on the starting team sheet.

The Baggies have no other issues with injury or sickness apart from the long term Chris Brunt injury.

Albion first played Blackpool on October 26, 1901, in Old Division Two. The game at Bloomfield Road ended in a 2-2 draw with Dan Nurse and Charlie ‘Chippy’ Simmons scoring for the visitors. When the Seasiders paid a visit to The Hawthorns later that season, on February 22, they were thrashed 7-2. Jackie Kifford and Jim Stevenson bagged a goal apiece, Tommy Worton scored a brace and ‘Chippy’ Simmons notched a hat-trick.

Albion’s biggest ever win over Blackpool was a 7-1 drubbing on April 28, 1962, which came in the final game of the season. Derek Kevan scored four times, with Graham Lovett, the late Sir Bobby Robson and Don Howe (pen) also scoring. Howe was voted Midlands Footballer of the Year.

Albion’s last visit to Bloomfield Road saw them snatch victory from the jaws of defeat in dramatic fashion as a double from substitute Kevin Phillips and an Ishmael Miller strike – all in the last nine minutes – overturned Ben Burgess’ 35th-minute opener.

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.”

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.

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.

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).

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?

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.