Posts Tagged ‘west bromwich albion’

Sky Bet offer great odds on West Brom games – bet on West Brom, Sky football odds, West Bromwich Albion

Sky Bet offer great odds on West Brom games – bet on West Brom, Sky football odds, West Bromwich Albion

As the end of football Championship is getting closer and closer, all you West Bromwich Albion fans out there must be thinking that you have a strong chance of making the cut for a place back in that prestigious Premier League!

At this moment in time, sitting within an automatic promotion position must be an extremely exciting feeling and it also must give you that urge to bet on West Brom this season. Whether it’s a week in, week out bet or a Championship promotion outright bet, you’ve got to be pretty confident in them as they seem to be flying quite high!

At the current status, Sky Bet is offering their Sky football odds at 5/1 on West Brom to be crowned champions of the Coca Cola Championship for this season. These odds are very good and could possibly change depending on the outcome of the game West Bromwich Albion has in hand so get a few quid on this today! There are of course other markets where you can bet on West Brom this season including a market where you can bet on West Brom just being promoted, not finishing top and then you could also bet on their weekly games.

To see the full range of Sky football odds and markets, visit Sky Bet today.

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

Koren wanted out and probably still does …

Robert Koren’s agent has accused the club of denying the midfielder a move in January, using this as the excuse for Korens refusal to shake Di Matteos hand upon his substitution against scunthorpe.

Zoran Krneta has stated that Koren’s angry reaction when sustituted on Wednesday night was not aimed at his team mates, but a message to the head coach and club in general.

Krneta said Koren wanted to leave the Hawthorns on loan in January although Albion have always said that they had no official offers.

Di Matteo branded Koren’s actions as ‘selfish’ and claimed it showed a lack of respect for Simon Cox, who came in his place.

Krneta has been quoted as saying:

“Robert has played over 150 games for West Bromwich Albion since arriving on a free transfer. I would say that over 80 per cent of those games he has played out of position. He always gives 100 per cent on the field for his team mates. He is also captain of Slovenia and going to the World Cup.

“To not shake the manager’s hand was not a reflection on the team or the player coming on but a message to the manager, no-one else. I’m not saying what he did was right and I’m sure he will apologise. Perhaps there is a deeper issue that the manager needs to discuss with Robert.

“There were several offers in the January window, from the UK and abroad, to take Robert on loan and they were turned down.

“Perhaps Robert feels that it’s time to move on as he feels he can’t give any more than he is doing for Albion.”

Watch the Albion for free

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

Next Wednesdays game has been dedicated a free admission fixture.

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

Free entry is limited to the West Stand, Block C

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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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.

Plymouth Albion team news – Youth on bench

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Giles Barnes 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.

Martis exits Hawthorns on deadline day

Doncaster Rovers have signed West Bromwich Albion defender Shelton Martis for an undisclosed fee at the end of the transfer window.

Martis has returned to the Keepmoat Stadium on a permanent basis after impressing during a brief spell on loan at Rovers in the first half of last season. He scored once in five appearances for the rovers side last season and has now signed a 3 1/2 year contract to return to Doncaster.

The 27-year-old joined West Brom from Hibernian in 2007, making just 25 appearances during his time at The Hawthorns.

Previously at Darlington, the centre-half started this season as a regular in the Albion team, but he has appeared just twice as a late substitute in the Championship since early October.