Sam Allardyce’s Baggies face a local derby next when they travel to face West Midlands rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux on Saturday lunchtime (ko.12.30pm).
Wolves
Their last time out
Wolves suffered a 2-1 home defeat in their last Premier League outing at the hands of a resurgent Everton side on Tuesday evening.
A second-half header from Toffees defender Michael Keane meant Wanderers extended their run without a win in the league to five matches.
It means Wolves have also failed to keep a clean sheet since the end of October.
In the dugout
Nuno Espírito Santo became a cult figure at Molineux after helping Wolves return to the top-flight.
The former goalkeeper took over the helm at Molineux towards the end of the 2016/17 campaign. During his first full term as boss, the 46-year-old guided Wanderers back to the Premier League in 2018 after a six-year absence.
Nuno’s team lifted the Championship trophy in 2018 with four games to spare. In their maiden year back in the top flight, he led Wolves to a seventh-placed finish - their highest in just under 40 years.
Wanderers achieved seventh-placed finishes over consecutive seasons when they achieved the same feat in 2020. And after qualifying for the Europa League in 2019, Santo’s men enjoyed success in the tournament before departing in the quarter-finals following a 1-0 defeat to Sevilla in August, 2020.
One to watch
Pedro Neto has been one of the most influential players in Santo’s side during the 2020/21 campaign.
In total, Neto has seven direct goal involvements in 20 appearances for Wolves this season (4 goals, 3 assists) as a result of his quick, direct play in the attacking third.
And the Baggies defence will be fully aware of the dangers that the 20-year-old Portuguese attacker possesses.
Our last meeting
Who could forget our last Black Country derby back in February, 2012 where a Peter Odemwingie hat-trick, along with goals from Jonas Olsson and Keith Andrews, completed a season double over Wanderers with an impressive 5-1 victory.
And in the reverse fixture that term, Odemwingie was on hand to score again along with Chris Brunt as two fine finishes downed Wolves in October, 2011...
Stats
Wolves
- Wolves have only won one of their last eight PL games (W1, D2, L5).
- But they have only failed to score in one of their PL home games this season.
- Ruben Neves has scored in Wanderers’ last two league outings.
Albion
- Seven of Albion’s 11 Premier League goals have come in the first half of matches.
- Sam Allardyce hasn't lost against Wolves during his managerial career (W4, D2).
- The Baggies are unbeaten in their last two away league matches following 1-1 draws against Manchester City and Liverpool respectively.
Head to head
| Wolves wins | Draw | Albion wins | |
| League | 52 | 40 | 54 |
| FA Cup | 1 | 2 | 8 |
| Total | 53 | 42 | 62 |
Our one to watch
After signing at the start of January, Robert Snodgrass will be keen to endear himself to the Albion faithful in this weekend’s local derby.
The Scottish winger has enjoyed numerous seasons in the top flight with Norwich, Hull City and more recently West Ham United - the club he left to join the Baggies.
That Premier League experience was a factor head coach Sam Allardyce was keen to stress upon Snodgrass’ arrival. And with the 33-year-old’s dribbling ability and expertise from dead-ball situations, Albion will be hoping they can profit from the Glaswegian’s attributes.
Follow the game
Gez Mulholland will be joined by once midfield-now-microphone maestro Andy Johnson to provide proudly partisan commentary and an expert insight for WBA Radio.
To listen live to Baggies-biased commentary on WBA Radio for free for every home and away match during the 2020/21 season all you have to do is sign up for a free My Albion account.
If you haven't already you can create your My Albion account here. Click Create Account or register quickly with your Facebook or Google account.
Live commentary starts from 15 minutes before kick-off and will be accessible through the live match centre or WBA TV.
If you have any issues registering or accessing your My Albion account please contact myalbion@wbafc.co.uk.
The game is also available to watch on BT Sport.