On Sky
The Baggies travel to the seasiders knowing that if they beat Blackpool they will jump into a Champions League place. Although it is early days Albion fans might think why can’t they achieve the impossible and make it into Europe. After all they have played all of the teams that have qualified for the Champions League this season and they are still in sixth place. However, there are some tough tests to come and Blackpool will be as hard as they come. The Baggies won both games between the two promoted teams last season by a scoreline of 3-2 but neither games was easy and Blackpool fought every step of the way. No one should expect any less from Blackpool this season they will continue to make chances and to score goals but they will always give goals away. This game is four days before Bonfire night but it should be an absolute cracker.
Roberto Di Matteo’s thoughts
‘In my opinion, Blackpool are the most attractive team in the Barclays Premier League after Arsenal and Chelsea.
We had two very entertaining games against them last season.
There were plenty of goals and I’m expecting a similar game.
They still have the same manager, and I’m also still here, so it should be a good game.’
Blackpool Team News:
Charlie Adam is a major doubt after receiving stitches in his ankle after a tackle from Nikola Zigic in last weekend’s defeat to Birmingham. Billy Clarke, Alex Baptiste and Louis Almond are all still out.
Player to watch: Luke Varney
Varney has been a threat this season for Blackpool and his pace and movement could create problems for the Baggies back line.
Blackpool Squad: Gilks, Kingson, Keinan, Eardley, Taylor-Fletcher, Crainey, Evatt, Adam, Vaughan, Varney, Ormerod, Campbell, Grandin, Harewood, Southern, Carney, Cathcart, Basham, Euell, Sylvestre, Demontagnac, Phillips, Edwards.
West Brom Team News:
Peter Odemwingie could return from his knee injury, Jonas Olsson and striker Marc-Antoine Fortune should be.
James Morrison is a doubt after he picked up a knock in training which could pave the way for Graham Dorrans to return to the first team.
West Brom Squad: Carson, Olsson, Ibanez, Morrison, Barnes, Bednar, Brunt, Reid, Fortune, Dorrans, Shorey, Thomas, Mulumbu, Zuiverloon, Meite, Odemwingie, Fortune, Tchoyi, Scharner, Thomas, Tamas, Cox, Downing, Sawyers, Jara, Allsopp, Myhill, Kiely.
Player to watch: Chris Brunt
Brunty has been in outstanding form this season but he has yet to score one of his trademark thunderbolts this season. Perhaps this is the game in front of the Sky cameras.
Next Fixtures:
Home to Manchester City on 7 November, kick off at 3.00 pm