Bolton Wanderers will face a difficult trip to the Hawthorns tommorow as they take on newly promoted West Bromwich Albion in only the third Premiership clash between the two sides.
Both teams have drawn the previous couple of top flight meetings between one other with both ending in a 1-1 scoreline two seasons ago. However the need to get three points tommorow in the televised clash is important for both sides.
Whilst Bolton have enjoyed an excellent start to the season they have not won in the league since the end of August with all three of their matches for September ending in draws although sandwiched in between that was a cup win over Yeovil Town, even so Sam Allardyce will be keen for his side to gain victory against the Baggies.
West Brom are yet to win in this league since their return in the summer, drawing four and losing three of their first seven matches.
The Wanderers hope to welcome back their captain Jay-Jay Okocha after he missed last week's draw with Birmingham City due to a groin strain. Veteran goalkeeper Kevin Poole is expected to resume his place on the bench at the expense of loan signing Andy Oakes whilst fringe players Blessing Kaku and Tal-Ben Haim could also come into contention for a substitutes role.
Albion manager Gary Megson is without suspended duo Darren Purse and Neil Clement following their recent sendings off against Newcastle United and Fulham.
Former Wigan Athletic forward Geoff Horsfield is hoping to be upgraded to a starting role following his hard working performance and goal in the game against Newcastle last weekend whilst ex-Bolton loanee Russell Hoult should continue in goal at the expense of Tomasz Kuszczak.
The Baggies had an impeccable home record during their promotion campaign in the Nationwide League last season and have since remained unbeaten at the Hawthorns this term. It is the away form which is most concerning for the Midlands club with only one point gained on the road so far. Included in the bad run away from home is a Carling Cup defeat by Coca Cola League side Colchester United.
LAST SEASON (2002-2003)
08/02/2003 WEST BROMWICH ALBION 1 BOLTON WANDERERS 1 (FA PREM)
09/11/2002 BOLTON WANDERERS 1 WEST BROMWICH ALBION 1 (FA PREM)
PLAYED FOR BOTH
Sam Allardyce
Peter Barnes
Len Cantello
Franz Carr
Barry Cowdrill
David Cross
Julian Darby
Fabian De Freitas
Andy Dibble
Delroy Facey
Carsten Fredgaard
Asa Hartford
Russell Hoult
Tony Kelly
Harry Kinsell
Richard Sneekes
Bob Taylor
John Thomas
Both teams have drawn the previous couple of top flight meetings between one other with both ending in a 1-1 scoreline two seasons ago. However the need to get three points tommorow in the televised clash is important for both sides.
Whilst Bolton have enjoyed an excellent start to the season they have not won in the league since the end of August with all three of their matches for September ending in draws although sandwiched in between that was a cup win over Yeovil Town, even so Sam Allardyce will be keen for his side to gain victory against the Baggies.
West Brom are yet to win in this league since their return in the summer, drawing four and losing three of their first seven matches.
The Wanderers hope to welcome back their captain Jay-Jay Okocha after he missed last week's draw with Birmingham City due to a groin strain. Veteran goalkeeper Kevin Poole is expected to resume his place on the bench at the expense of loan signing Andy Oakes whilst fringe players Blessing Kaku and Tal-Ben Haim could also come into contention for a substitutes role.
Albion manager Gary Megson is without suspended duo Darren Purse and Neil Clement following their recent sendings off against Newcastle United and Fulham.
Former Wigan Athletic forward Geoff Horsfield is hoping to be upgraded to a starting role following his hard working performance and goal in the game against Newcastle last weekend whilst ex-Bolton loanee Russell Hoult should continue in goal at the expense of Tomasz Kuszczak.
The Baggies had an impeccable home record during their promotion campaign in the Nationwide League last season and have since remained unbeaten at the Hawthorns this term. It is the away form which is most concerning for the Midlands club with only one point gained on the road so far. Included in the bad run away from home is a Carling Cup defeat by Coca Cola League side Colchester United.
LAST SEASON (2002-2003)
08/02/2003 WEST BROMWICH ALBION 1 BOLTON WANDERERS 1 (FA PREM)
09/11/2002 BOLTON WANDERERS 1 WEST BROMWICH ALBION 1 (FA PREM)
PLAYED FOR BOTH
Sam Allardyce
Peter Barnes
Len Cantello
Franz Carr
Barry Cowdrill
David Cross
Julian Darby
Fabian De Freitas
Andy Dibble
Delroy Facey
Carsten Fredgaard
Asa Hartford
Russell Hoult
Tony Kelly
Harry Kinsell
Richard Sneekes
Bob Taylor
John Thomas