This game is being billed as the return of Paul Robinson to the Hawthorns. However, most Baggies’ fans will not care two hoots about Robinson because nobody cared when he left, the fans had grown tired of his attempts to get away and many believed he was way past his best two seasons ago. Albion have moved on to better things, Nicky Shorey is proving to be a top quality left back with the composure, positional sense and ball control that Robinson can only dream of. It will be interesting to judge the two players in the same game.
Moving on to the game it is of immense importance that Albion don’t undo all the good that they did in last week’s game against Arsenal by losing. Roberto DiMatteo and his team of coaches will have drilled it in to the squad that they need to build on that win by claiming victory against one of their rivals in the fight against relegation. However, Bolton will not be as easy a nut to crack as Arsenal were, they will fight for every ball and make it difficult for the Baggies to pass through them. The Trotters also possess real quality up front with the likes of Davies, Klasnic and Elmander.
It should be a good game with two very similar teams who play good football but that are also prepared to mix it.
Roberto Di Matteo’s warning to the fans
‘I hope the fans don’t get carried away by the Arsenal result.’
‘I hope the fans understand our position and see that Bolton is a difficult game.’
‘It’s one of the teams that is a competitor, even though they’ve been in the Premier League for many years.’
‘If we want to have a good season we need to be competitive against teams like them.’
West Brom Team News:
Marek Cech, Joe Mattock and Ishmael Miller are all still out but Roman Bednar is available again. Graham Dorrans will be hoping to force his way back into the first team but DiMatteo will probably stick with the team that served him so well last week.
Player to watch: Peter Odemwingie
Peter Odemwingie is on fire at the moment and he will be looking to add to his already healthy looking goals tally.
Bolton Wanderers Team News:
Davis and O’Brien are definitely out and Gardner is doubtful but Gary Cahill looks likely to return to bolster the centre of defence.
Player to watch: Kevin Davies
Kevin Davies is always a threat and his tussle with Olsson will be well worth keeping an eye on.
Match Facts & Stats
Six of the last eight games between the Baggies and the Trotters have ended in draws.
Ref Watch:
Peter Walton
Match Prediction:
2-1 to the Baggies
Next Fixtures:
International week next week so the next game is away to Man United on 16 October.