Wolves guest blog – Winning the big one
Since Mick McCarthy guided Wolves back to the Premier League, we've experienced some unforgettable away days, writes guest blogger Thomas Baugh of www.wolvesblog.com
Since Mick McCarthy guided Wolves back to the Premier League, we've experienced some unforgettable away days, writes guest blogger Thomas Baugh of
From the triumph at White Hart Lane to the ecstasy at Upton Park, those spectacular moments are indelibly etched into Molineux folklore.
However, I'd wager nothing would taste quite so sweet as a top-flight victory on the ground of our most bitter rivals.
Oh, and make no mistake about it, West Brom are just that – our greatest local adversaries.
You can talk about Blues and Villa all you like, but this is, without question, 'the big one'.
Why else would I have sobbed like a little girl when they beat us to promotion back in 2002 or clenched my fist in unadulterated anger to see them boinging away in the South bank during that horrifying FA Cup tie?
Equally, why would I have thrown my back out celebrating Jay Bothroyd's late winner or, going back even further, literally laughed until it hurt at the sight of Paul Crichton shelling yet another goal kick into the stands (who else remembers that one)?
It comes down to this: Albion are the team I most relish beating and the team I just can't stomach losing to.
All very straightforward.
So, what of Sunday's game?
Well, I feel there's actually very little to choose between the two sides, even if the league table might suggest otherwise.
I would have to begrudgingly concede that Albion are slight favourites (to an outsider at least) given their home form, their general pizzazz going forward and the fact that they aren't decimated by injuries.
However, Wolves can take great heart from that inspiring win against Blues and with the likes of Doyle and Jarvis hopefully returning to swell the ranks, we're certainly in with a great shout.
Having gone so long without keeping a clean sheet before last weekend's shutout, I'm just wondering whether two might come along at once. You'd be surprised how often that happens.
And if we can keep things tight at the back, I'd put my money on the player in that famous gold number 9 shirt to once again be the hero. You heard it here first.
Up The Wolves.