Albion travel to Hartlepool in the second round of the Carling Cup in an effort to get their first win of the season, and with it the confidence to start winning in the Premiership.
Vital Quotes:
Tony Mowbray told the official site:
‘I wouldn’t be disrespectful to Hartlepool and say ‘we are going to go there and score lots of goals’.
‘They are a decent team, who work extremely hard, and have got some good individuals. It is a tough game for us. It is not easy to go to Hartlepool and get a win. We are anticipating a tough game.’
‘There will be a few changes on Tuesday but there won’t be mass changes, it will still be a team of Premier League players who are striving to get onto the pitch for the league matches. It is still early in the season so there is no real need to rest players.’
Hartlepool Team News:
Barring the injury to Boland (see below), Danny Wilson is expected to name the same side that lost in the last minute at home to Stockport at the weekend.
Player to watch: Alan Power
In the team after regular midfielder Willie Boland sustained a ligament injury, the Baggies will have to keep an eye on the young midfielder.
West Brom Team News:
Luke Moore is expected to make his first start after recovering from a thigh strain, and Mowbray is also expected to make places in the starting line up available for any of Marek Cech, Carl Hoefkens, Roman Bednar, Craig Beattie, Sherjill MacDonald, Pedro Pele and Dean Kiely.
Player to watch: Luke Moore
Many Baggies fans were against this transfer after his laon spell in which he managed one red card and no goals in 10 matches. Has got something to prove, both to Baggies fans and the public at large. Mowbray clearly has faith – let us hope it is rewarded.
Match Facts & Stats
Match Prediction:
A comfortable win for the Baggies – the first of many this season. 3-0.
Next Fixtures:
Bolton Wanderers, and Gary Megson, at the Reebok on Saturday.