"The biggest Black Country Derby ever" this line seems to have been churned out for most of the Black Country Derby's that have been played in the Premier League, the only one not given this tag was the reverse fixture this season, which Albion won 2-0.

Last year's games with Wolves were not the most successful, in Roy Hodgson's first game in charge Carlos Vela scored a late equaliser for the Albion. That goal was massively important as a defeat would have left Albion in the relegation zone and Hodgson with a defeat in his first match in charge. It was from there where Albion went on the great run that saw them survive with comfort.

However, the away game with Wolves was a different story. Although Albion had there excuses, some valid such as the absence of key men Chris Brunt, Steven Reid and Paul Scharner, they put in a non-performance that angered every single fan who witnessed the game and also signed off the Baggies career of Abdoulaye Meite after a dreadful mistake that gifted Steven Fletcher a 3rd goal in the 3-1 victory.

This time around, Albion will have no excuses for such a performance. Survival is not assured, far from it, and key players are fit for this game with only Chris Brunt and Zoltan Gera absent with their long-term injuries. The match could, like last year, prove a turning point for both clubs. Albion's last gasp equaliser was the catalyst for a superb run-in whilst Wolves result over us was a massive help in their eventual survival.

Most Baggies fans will probably be grateful that this game is away from home, considering the poor record West Brom have at the Hawthorns, although Wolves are one of only two sides to lost there this season. Playing away from home seems to suit Albion's counter-attacking style a lot more, and with Wolves home form not much better than ours, it will be vital that Albion keep the ball well early on and build tension within the stadium.

Mick McCarthy seems to be on thin ice with their fans and the players will be feeling the pressure from the fans if they fail to take a hold of the game and get an early goal. The first goal, if there is one, will be crucial here. If Albion get it, the Wolves fans will turn but if Wolves grab it, the place will become a cauldron of noise and atmosphere.

West Brom have to dominate the midfield to win this game. Mulumbu was poor last week, as was Dorrans and I wouldn't be suprised to see one of Paul Scharner or Keith Andrews brought into the centre of midfield, with James Morrison reverting to a wide berth. Wolves have some key players missing in the middle of the park, Karl Henry suspended and Emmanuel Frimpong injured, with David Edwards and Jamie O'Hara both doubts. Albion's trouble will come with the width of Wolves, though injury to Michael Kightly is also a good things for the Baggies.

Last week's first goal against Swansea came from the failure of Graham Dorrans to track Neail Taylor, and with Wolves having a similarly attack-minded full back in Stephen Ward, whoever plays on the right hand side of midfield will have a big role to do in supporting either Billy Jones or Steven Reid.

There has been a certain distraction from the game, with the resignation of Fabio Capello as England Manager. Harry Redknapp is the clear favourite, seemingly with the fans, the press and the players. But the length of time he has left on his Tottenham contract may prove a stumbling block in any move for Redknapp, something that won't stop Roy Hodgson.

Hodgson's only has 5 Months remaining on his contract, and for the FA he will offer a short-term, cheap fix and provide something which many other candidates do not offer, International experience. Hodgson has said all the right things to the questions he has been asked, neither ruling himself in or out of the running for the job.

A section of Albion fans are unhappy with the style of play under Hodgson, a win over Wolves may just change their minds.