English Premier
2011-05-08 - Wolves vs West Brom
A Sports Betting Pick by ArmchairPunter
Football: England: Premier League
Sunday 8th May 2011 - Kickoff 12 noon
Wolves take on midlands rivals West Brom in the Black Country derby at lunchtime on Sunday as time runs out for Mick McCarthy's men in their penultimate home match of the season.
Wolves
When you are scrapping for Premiership survival like Wolves are at the end of the season, apart from hosting the likes of Manchester United or Chelsea, the last thing you need on your wish-list of opponents is a midlands derby. Wolves have a second midlands derby in two weekends following last week's draw against Birmingham City.
Wolves were disappointing last week, not only because they didn't win but because of a seemingly reluctance to attack when Birmingham were reduced to 10 men following Craig Gardner's sending off. For all their hard luck stories and huff and puff, the fact remains that Wolves are now winless in their last five matches and time is running out fast.
However, the Wolves home record is the best of teams around them in the bottom quarter of the table; 7-4-6 25/26, but their worst enemy might ironically be their home crowd if things don't go right early doors against the Baggies on Sunday.
Wolves go into this match on the back of three comprehensive defeats to Newcastle United, Everton and Stoke City, with draws against Fulham and 10-man Birmingham City.
Incidentally, Wolves have won just once at Molineux against West Brom in their last five meetings there.
West Brom
Whilst still not safe mathematically, West Brom must surely be 99.9% safe and extend their tenure in the top flight for another season. Despite being a Birmingham fan, I've got to say I've been impressed with the way the Baggies have played this season; WBA are creating chances and scoring goals which has coincided with the arrival of striker Peter Odemwingie.
And, although their stats don't necessarily suggest it, the West Brom away form has been more solid this time around with a record of 4-4-9 22/35, and will be looking to extend their unbeaten away run to five matches at Wolves on Sunday.
Draws at Stoke City and Tottenham (the latter fixture would have previously seen them capitulate I'm sure) have been a credit, along with the derby win at Birmingham City and at Steve Bruce’s Sunderland guaranteeing almost certain safety.
The Betting Verdict :
West Brom have had the wood over their black country rivals in recent times and their depth in attacking options should see them through here with at least a point if not all three, whilst Wolves cannot get a win from anywhere at the moment.
The pressure is certainly on Wolves in this one and I don't think they will handle it – take West Brom to win 2-1 as a possible scoreline.
The Statistics :
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The Pick :
Wolves 1-2 West Brom
BEST BETTING TIP :
Gooner’s Statistical Value Bet
Main Pick : Taking West Brom AH 0,+0.5 at a generous 1.95 with bet365 represents fantastic value
