West Bromwich Albion take on Championship new boys Colchester United at the Hawthorns tomorrow in the first real ‘Banana Skin’ game of the season.
A Home Banker?
Albion are back at the Hawthorns in a game that they really must be looking to win. Anything but 3 points in this game will mean major criticism from fans already frustrated by the lack of firepower in the team.
Colchester`s last visit to the Hawthorns was in the 1996/97 season. Alan Buckley’s side was humiliatingly dumped out of the league cup losing 3-1 on the night and 5-4 on aggregate.
More recently we traveled to Layer Road in September 2004 and were again dumped out of the League Cup with Gary Megson’s side losing 2-1 in extra time.
This is a game where Albion need to be on their guard as Colchester will be out to cause a few upsets in what is the biggest season in their history.
A crowd of around 19,000 is expected to attend so there are plenty of tickets are available which will be on sale from the ticket offices up until kick off.
Colchester fans have the usual 2,800 allocation in the Smethwick End and can pay on the gate.
West Bromwich Albion Team News:
It is now looking very unlikely that a new striker will be signed up by tonight`s 5pm deadline so Bryan Robson will be sweating on the fitness of Nathan Ellington who has a Hamstring problem.
Should Ellington be declared unfit Robson is likely to put Zoltan Gera up front which would mean Greening moving to the right and Darren Carter coming in to play on the left? The only other option is to give a full debut to rookie Stuart Nicholson who has now recovered from injury.
If Ellington is fit Albion should be unchanged from last weeks 0-0 draw at Southampton:
Zuberbuhler, Watson, Perry, C Davies, Robinson, Greening, Wallwork, Quashie, Gera, Hartson, Ellington
Subs: Steele (GK), Albrechtsen, Carter, Chaplow, Inamoto.
Also available for selection are Stuart Nicholson and new defender Paul McShane.
Player to watch: Zoltan Gera
In the Baggies first 3 games of the season our only constant attacking threat has come from Zoltan Gera.
Gera, dubbed the ‘Beckham of the Buda’ back home in Hungary, was told by Bryan Robson in midweek that he would not be allowed to move back to the Premiership after expressing a desire to leave.
Despite being unsettled there is no doubt about his commitment and professional attitude which means Colchester will have to be at their very best to cope with Gera’s surging runs and tricky play.
Colchester United Team News:
It appears that Colchester have struggled to adapt to life in the Championship. Losing their first 3 fixtures has been a major blow although they put in an encouraging performance losing 2-1 on the opening day against the expensively assembled Birmingham City.
Last time out they lost 2-1 to fellow new boys Barnsley at Layer Road and lined up as follows:
Davison, Halford, Brown, Richards, Elokobi, Izzet, Watson, Jackson (Iwelumo 50), Duguid, Garcia, Cureton (Guy 69). Subs Not Used: White, Baldwin, Gerken.
Also available is new signing Chris Barker who has joined on loan from Cardiff City.
Player to watch: Jamie Cureton
The former Reading, Swindon, Norwich, Bournmouth, Bristol Rovers and QPR Striker moved to Layer Road on a free transfer in the mid way through last season.
31 year old Cureton was once a target of Premiership clubs whilst at Bristol Rovers and Reding but a move never materialised. Gary Megson was rumoured to be interested in bringing the player to the Hawthorns in 2001 but a bid was never made.
After Scoring 44 goals in 2 seasons for Reading between 2000 and 2002 Cureton somewhat lost his way and has failed to settle at various clubs.
He has a Career record of 161 goals in 337 Senior starts and 101 Substitute appearances
Form Guide
Albion’s last 5 at home: L L D L W
Colchester’s last 5 away: L D W D L