| When these two teams
met in March, it was Albion that were under pressure and they grabbed
a vital win. This time around, the pressure is arguably on Blues
as they have picked up just one point from their three games, although
this is a game that Albion need to win to consolidate their solid
start.
Both sides are coming off the back of midweek defeats but, while
Albion lost by the greater margin, Steve Bruce is the manager
with more reason to worry. Back-to-back home defeats mean that
City are languishing in 17th place and, while the panic button
will not have been pushed this early in the season, they will
be anxious to add to their points tally ahead of the international
break.
Steve Bruce has had a busy summer in the transfer market, but
having failed attempts to sign Bowyer and Bellamy, most of his
signings have been to make loan deals permanent. The two new faces
are Nicky Butt who has joined on loan from Newcastle and open
his account with a goal in the 2-1 defeat to Manchester City last
weekend, and Jiri Jarosik on loan from Chelsea who made his debut
on Tuesday night.
WIth Morrison having returned to Crystal Palace this week, Blues
striking threat now consists of Pandiani, Forssell and Heskey.
Having started the opening game, Heskey hasn't featured in the
next two with Pandiani starting up front on his own on Tuesday
until Forssell came on at half time. But with Butt as City's only
scorer so far, there may be another change. Lazaridis and Pennant
are the main suppliers from the flanks especially with Dunn on
the treatment table, although young Julian Gray is another option.
In the centre of midfield, Butt seems a certain starter and Bruce
has Jarosik, Clemence, Izzet and Damien Johnson able to join him.
The back four is likely to be Cunningham, Melchiot, Upson and
either Clapham or Tebily.
As for Albion, it seems likely that Watson, Campbell, Horsfield,
Gera and Wallwork will all start having been rested in mid-week.
The choice on the left side of midfield will be interesting with
Kamara having impressed at the Bridge, and he could get the nod
over Jonathan Greening. The other question mark is that of Wallwork's
midfield partner. Inamoto would be my choice, but Robson may opt
to keep AJ in the side.
My team would be:
Kirkland; Watson, Gaardsoe, Clement, Robinson; Gera, Inamoto,
Wallwork, Kamara; Campbell, Horsfield.
Earnshaw and Ellington should be on the bench to come on once
the battering ram has done its job.
While this game is not as crucial as the one back in March,
getting a win is important for the Baggies to reinforce the confidence
gained in the first two games, and possibly dented on Wednesday
night. It took Albion eight games to get seven points last season
- let's try and do it in four this time round.
Jon Want, 25th August 2005.
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