Terry Wills on the hopes of Albion and England.
The appalling events in Paris leaves me feeling that football is barely worth a mention compared to the news carnage that shocked the world. Looking back and forward in turn has been meaningless, part from the fact that the English and French football authorities plus the teams and respective supporters can unite in a common cause.
The Wembley game after a slow start became a genuine contest, with the new young England side demonstrating that possibly, and I stress possibly, they could be capable of challenging the top European teams. Against Spain on Children in Need day the difference in class was embarrassing to watch. Totally outplayed, it was comparable to expecting Pudsey Bear to beat a grizzly bear in a boxing ring.
But onto Albion topics, and this week’s Greed League fixture brings Arsenal to the Hawthorns. Arsene Wenger’s title chasing side against Tony Pulis’s defensive unit that could eventually be drawn into a potential relegation threat unless their inability to start wining games, especially at the Hawthorns, is rectified.
The Baggies record against the Gunners gives little room for optimism. However well Albion play the London side invariably leave with the three points to their credit, and withBaggies fans again hoping that teams in a similar position fail to close, or worse still, increase the points difference that could eventually be too close for comfort.
Forecast? Albion struggle to score goals unless Saido Berahino or Salamon Rondon manage to net the limited number of opportunities coming their way, set against Arsenal’s superior all round quality. I’d be more than happy if we manage to share the spoils. Wishful thinking?
