Following the dramatic comeback victory over Wrexham, the Baggies return to The Hawthorns looking to build on that momentum as they welcome Blackburn Rovers, with former Albion boss Tony Mowbray making his return. Can James Morrison’s side make it back-to-back victories and strengthen their position in the Championship’s top Six?
What a game that was on Tuesday night at Wrexham! At 1-0 down following Kieffer Moore’s stunning strike, it looked as though the Baggies were heading towards a third consecutive defeat, and I don’t think many Albion supporters expected what was about to unfold. However, James Morrison’s side showed tremendous character and fighting spirit to turn the game completely on its head, with Isaac Price drawing us level before Aune Heggebø completed a remarkable comeback with the winning goal. Two goals in the final 15 minutes secured all three points and sent the travelling Baggies supporters into absolute dreamland. After the disappointment of back-to-back derby defeats, it was exactly the response we needed, and hopefully, that victory will give the players a massive confidence boost heading into the next fixture.
Attention now turns to Blackburn Rovers, who make the trip to The Hawthorns on Saturday afternoon in what promises to be another tough Championship encounter. The fixture also marks the return of former Albion manager Tony Mowbray, adding an extra bit of interest to the occasion. Blackburn have enjoyed a promising start to the campaign and currently sit just outside the play-off places, having collected 15 points from their opening 10 matches and are unbeaten in 4 games.
With Rovers knowing that a victory would see them leapfrog the Baggies in the table, there is plenty at stake for both sides. Albion will be hoping to build on Tuesday night’s dramatic victory and make it back-to-back wins, but Morrison’s men certainly cannot afford to underestimate a Blackburn side who will arrive at The Hawthorns full of confidence and determined to take all three points.
Player To Watch – Blackburn Rovers
My player to watch for Blackburn Rovers has to be Andri Gudjohnsen, who has made an impressive start to the Championship campaign, scoring four goals in nine appearances. The Icelandic international has quickly established himself as an important attacking threat for Tony Mowbray’s side, with his goals proving crucial during Blackburn’s unbeaten run. His ability to find space in dangerous areas and take his chances in front of goal makes him someone Albion’s defence will need to keep a particularly close eye on. With Rovers arriving at The Hawthorns in good form, Gudjohnsen will certainly be looking to add to his tally and continue his encouraging start to the season.
And let’s be honest, strikers do seem to enjoy scoring against the Baggies! We saw it on Tuesday evening when Kieffer Moore produced an outstanding strike for Wrexham, while August Priske also found the net against Albion from the penalty spot. It’s becoming a frustrating pattern, and the last thing we need is another opposition striker adding his name to the scoresheet. Gudjohnsen will undoubtedly fancy his chances, particularly given his recent form, so James Morrison’s side must remain switched on defensively and avoid giving him opportunities in and around the penalty area. If Albion can keep him quiet, it could go a long way towards securing another important three points at The Hawthorns.
Player To Watch – West Brom
My Albion player to watch against Blackburn Rovers has to be Aune Heggebø, especially after his match-winning contribution against Wrexham on Tuesday evening. The Norwegian striker came off the bench and made an immediate impact, scoring the decisive goal to complete a remarkable 2-1 comeback and secure all three points for the Baggies. That goal took his tally to three for the Championship campaign, making him the joint top scorer for Albion.
It was a massive moment for Heggebø, particularly after the criticism he had received from sections of the Albion fanbase on social media, with some supporters questioning his performances and ability in front of goal. However, he answered those critics in the best possible way by letting his football do the talking and finding the back of the net when his team needed him most.
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: Feed the Hegg and he will score! Heggebø might not be everyone’s favourite player, but I genuinely believe there’s a good striker in there who just needs the right service and opportunities to show what he’s capable of.
His winner at Wrexham should give him a huge confidence boost heading into Saturday’s encounter with Blackburn, and he’ll certainly be determined to build on that performance. With Albion looking to make it back-to-back victories at The Hawthorns, I’m backing the Norwegian to prove his doubters wrong once again and hopefully add another goal to his tally. For me, there’s no better choice for Albion’s player to watch this weekend than Aune Heggebø.
Line Up V Blackburn Rovers
Here is the team I like over Blackburn Rovers I make a few changes from Tuesday night with one surprise to the starting XI. Max O’Leary comes in goal with the back four of Callum Styles, George Campbell, Nat Phillips and Brayann Pereira. In midfield I’d stick with Toby Collyer and Jayson Molumby as the central pairing, providing the energy and defensive protection against a strong Blackburn side.
However, it’s further forward where I’d make the biggest chances bringing Tammer Bany into the starting line up on the right wing ahead of Nzingoula, with Isaac Price operating on the left. Both players could provide the pace, creativity and attacking threat that Albion have sometimes lacked, particularly when trying to break down the opposition defences.
Prediction V Blackburn Rovers
Last time out, I predicted that the Baggies would suffer a 2-1 defeat against Wrexham, but how wrong was I! Instead, Albion produced a remarkable late comeback to turn a 1-0 deficit into a dramatic 2-1 victory, with Isaac Price and Aune Heggebø finding the back of the net to secure all three points in North Wales. It certainly wasn’t the result I expected, but I’m more than happy to have been proven wrong! Now attention turns to Saturday afternoon’s encounter against Blackburn Rovers at The Hawthorns, where former Albion boss Tony Mowbray makes his return. So, let’s see whether I can get a little closer with this week’s prediction!
I’m going for the Baggies to make a flying start, with Tammer Bany causing problems for Blackburn’s defence inside the opening five minutes. I can see the winger being brought down just outside the penalty area, giving Albion an early free-kick in a dangerous position. Up steps Isaac Price, who curls a brilliant effort into the back of the net to put Morrison’s men 1-0 ahead and give Tony Mowbray a nightmare start on his return to The Hawthorns. But I don’t think Albion will stop there! Around the 16th-minute mark, I’m backing Bany to get involved once again, this time delivering a dangerous cross into the penalty area for Jimmy-Jay Morgan to finish and double the Baggies’ advantage.
After Albion’s blistering start, I don’t think there will be too much more to shout about for the remainder of the first half, although I can see the Baggies continuing to push forward in search of a third goal. Aune Heggebø could come agonisingly close to getting his name on the scoresheet once again, only to see his effort crash against the post. It would be another frustrating moment for the Norwegian striker, but thankfully, Albion would head into the half-time break with a comfortable 2-0 advantage.
However, I don’t expect Blackburn Rovers to make life easy for us in the second half. I’m predicting the visitors to come flying out of the blocks and pull a goal back early after Todd Cantwell gets a clever flick on the ball to beat Max O’Leary and reduce the deficit to 2-1. That would certainly make things interesting, with Rovers gaining confidence and pushing forward in search of a much-needed equaliser. I can see the remainder of the second half becoming a proper end-to-end contest, with both sides creating several opportunities and Albion looking dangerous on the counterattack. There might be a few nervy moments for the Baggies faithful, particularly in the closing stages, but I’m backing James Morrison’s side to hold firm and secure another important three points at The Hawthorns.
Prediction: West Brom 2-1 Blackburn Rovers
Goalscorers for West Brom: Isaac Price, Jimmy-Jay Morgan
Goalsorers for Blackburn Rovers: Todd Cantwell
I’m going for a 2-1 win here with a bright start to the game and getting the scoreline 2-0 up within the first 16 minutes of the game, I can see us been more confident after our late win at Wrexham but it be us scoring 2 goals before Rovers getting one back, it be another three points hopefully on Saturday.