Our Albion man Terry Wills goes oop North.
Whew… Our first away three points of the season at Wigan, to send 3,500 Baggies home in a very, very good mood. But it wasn’t easy. The Latics started with positive, confident moves and if they had scored first it would have been the home fans anticipating three precious, no, VERY, precious points?
Again Steve Clarke had decided to make changes from a winning team (wonder what those left out felt deep down inside?) and at the final whistle I bet all of them were more than happy knowing they’d be picking up a match winning bonus. Again it was a competent all round display. The defence when under pressure (especially as the minutes ticked so slowly by) were solid and when the referee somehow decided to add on an extra five minutes, I’m not sure whether it was the players or the Albion supporters who were thinking “No, not again” all too sadly, remembering the those late winners from Manchester City and Newcastle United.
This week it’s the reigning European Champions Chelsea visiting the Hawthorns. They’re a team that invariably leave with three points but last season went back to Stamford Bridge after suffering a very rare Hawthorns defeat. Prospects? It won’t be easy. Despite losing the likes of Andrew Cole and John Terry they’ll be out to prove they’re still a heck of a side to beat.
One thing of which I’m confident – Roberto Di Matteo will receive a warm welcome from the Hawthorns faithful who recognise with fond memories of his time as a Baggies’ boss. But again there’s’ little doubt that Roberto will be more than happy to put one over on chairman Jeremy Peace bearing in mind it was he that decided Di Matteo would enjoy a spot of Gardening Leave before bringing in the now current England manager Roy Hodgson.
Who will be in Steve Clarke’s starting line up? It’s anyone’s guess and if fans are puzzled I daresay the players feel in the same frame of mind. Prospects? Again a difficult game to forecast but if the Baggies can reach top form, who knows we could repeat last season’s victory. Another draw is possibly the most likely result but then possible results all too often prove to be the exact opposite. It all depends.
Come on you Baggies.
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