English Premier League Week 9 Preview: Fulham Tries To Rebound At West Brom From Season’s First Loss

Roberto di Matteo has no excuse. He’s not some neophyte Italian manager that’s been brought to England. The former Chelsea midfielder is familiar with English football. Thus, he should know: West Brom is not made to succeed in the Premier League.

I say that with no expertise beyond history. Since 2003, West Brom has been relegated three times (he types as Baggies supporters roll their eyes: “How original, Richard!”). The maximum number of times a club could be relegated in that time: Four. A glass half-full person would see that as West Brom dominating the English Championship. The glass half-empty type would suggest they stay there.

Di Matteo’s ignored all that. He has the Baggies in sixth place, and while their goal difference hints that position’s not sustainable, much of that figure is due to an early, pre-Peter Odemwingie loss at Chelsea. When they won at Arsenal, West Brom gave us reason to doubt the goal difference’s hints.

Unfortunately for Brom, Odemwingie is likely out for Fulham’s visit, but don’t complain to the Cottagers. Fulham’s set to miss five starters.

Probable Lineup, West Brom (4-3-3 slash ... well, you know): Carson - Shorey, Olsson, Tama, Jara - Scharner, Mulumbu, Dorrans - Brunt, Fortuné, Morrison

Probable Lineup, Fulham (4-4-2): Schwarzer - Salcido, Hangeland, Hughes, Pantsil - Dempsey, Greening, Baird, Gera - Johnson, Dembélé

Key Battle: Graham Dorrans was Brom’s best player in last season’s promotion-winning campaign. As the Baggies maintain di Matteo’s footballing ways, the Scotsman stays critical to their survival. Against a Fulham team that’s missing each of its starting central midfielders, Dorrans will be expected to take advantage of Chris Baird and former Baggie Jonathan Greening.

Battle Within The Battle: Mark Hughes’s continual battle with self will be center stage after Fulham’s first loss. That the defeat came at home, controversially, against a fellow London club will only feed his brooding. For a man whose had numerous playing a coaching successes, Hughes never seems happy with the respect (or lack of it) he’s afforded. With a tendency to dwell on perceived slights and inequities, Hughes’s attitude can make it difficult to forget negative results.

Pick: Yesterday I picked a draw, but with Fulham’s injury report, it’s difficult to see how they slow down the Baggies. If West Brom is hitting Aaron Hughes and Brede Hangeland with a head-of-steam, you have to like Roberto di Matteo’s chances of picking up three more points: West Brom 3, Fulham 2