This game features two sides battling for different reasons, as West Brom look to make an immediate return to the top flight while Sheffield Wednesday attempt to exit the relegation zone. Both are coming off the back of unexpected results following the Baggies’ 3-1 defeat to QPR and Wednesday’s shock 2-0 victory over Leicester at the weekend.
Looking at their squad on paper it’s no surprise that West Brom are up there fighting for promotion. What’s more, the club are receiving parachute payments which give them a massive advantage in the transfer market. However, despite these issues, there were still plenty of sceptics following the departure of the experienced Tony Mowbray in the summer and the arrival of Roberto Di Matteo – a man who’d only experienced one season of management, and that was in League One. However, so far, so good, and the Baggies will return to the automatic positions should they manage to avoid defeat in this encounter. While nobody quite expected their defeat to QPR on Saturday, it’s worth bearing in mind that it was Neil Warnock’s first game in charge of Rangers and that will have given them a huge boost. However, it was dropped point s for Di Matteo’s men and he’s got to ensure that his side bounce back against relegation threatened Sheffield Wednesday in this one.
Wednesday on the other hand are experiencing something of a disaster season with both on and off the field troubles. Despite a new chairman being installed at the end of last season, the club have been plagued with stories that administration could be looming and there are no funds for new players. On the field, they’re rooted in the relegation zone and while it’s still early days, new manager Alan Irvine hasn’t had the best effect on the team. Admittedly, his hands are tied behind his back in relation to resources, but Saturday’s victory was only the club’s second in their last six games with the other four being defeats. On the other hand, Irvine should be applauded for getting his side to respond to their 5-0 defeat to Reading with a victory, but there’s no doubt that he still has a huge task to keep this club in the division.
All of West Brom’s team news surrounds their front line as Roberto Di Matteo looks to cope without the presence of Roman Bednar, who will miss out with a groin problem. However, fellow striker Simon Cox should be available despite being stretched off in the Baggies’ previous fixture. It’s all good news for Sheffield Wednesday though with Alan Irvine having absolutely no worries. Following their victory over Leicester, you’d surely assume that the Wednesday chief will name an unchanged side.
As for a prediction, we’re going to have to go for a home win. Sheffield Wednesday may have impressed in their last game, but West Brom’s quality should shine through. Wednesday will definitely put up a fight, but we’ll go for a 1-0 win for the Baggies in this one.



