Terry Wills on Albion’s upcoming game at Fulham and last night’s England match.
It’s back to Greed League action this week as Albion attempt to climb off the foot of the table. However, based on current form a visit to Craven Cottage suggests that Fulham will be confident of extending their impressive number of victories whenever the Baggies travel to play on the banks of the River Thames – unless Steve Clarke’s new signings make a significant difference.
Two main questions are being debated by Albion fans. Who will be in Clarke’s starting line-up, and what formation will he feel best suited to achieve a positive result? 4-3-3 or 4-5-1, possibly 4-4-2, perhaps 4-2-3-1 or any combination/system that appears to be the flavour of the month?
Obviously the focus will be on the new signings. Can they successfully bring a new dimension into a team that in the opening three league matches have yet to find the net? Goals win matches and hopefully Stephan Sessegnon and Victor Anichebe can provide them. But where does that leave Nicolas Anelka and Shane Long? In the case of Shane, considering that Albion were prepared to see him joining Hull that has to mean warming a padded substitute’s chair.
And what about the player who seems certain to be an Albion legend of the future, providing of course he’s not lured away by one of the major Greed League clubs, Saidio Berahino? A hat-trick in the game against Newport and goals for the England U21 side underlined his potential. So much so that even with the purchase of the new signings many supporters consider that he’s worth a place in the team.
Glad it’s not my decision. All I hope is that whatever the team, the tactics, the formation, the Head Coach gets it right. If not…
Finally, quick word on England in their attempt to reach the World Cup finals. Based on the display against the Ukraine they still need to improve 100%. Yes they did enough to leave the situation in their own hands but even if they do reach Brazil their chances of seriously competing with the world’s best such as Brazil, Spain, and Germany have to be considered remote. Come on you Baggies.
