Baggies Redemption Song?
Swift chance to avenge 0-5 embarrassment
The chance of redemption rarely comes so quickly. Less than a month after one of Albion’s worst performances of modern times against Norwich City, we get to challenge The Canaries again in the 4th Round of the FA Cup - a game which, in other circumstances might be an extra ‘treat’ on top of League duties but which, in the midst of a relegation battle, feels like something of a distraction.
After successive 0-0 draws - including an immense battle against moneybags Birmingham City in midweek - The Baggies seem as though they might be on the brink of a recovery. Eric Ramsay has abandoned his favoured 3-4-3 system - for now at least - and the players have responded, showing a level of determination that has eluded them for long periods this season.
Does Ramsay now stick with a similar starting line-up to the last couple of games, in the hope that the progress can continue with a morale-boosting win? Or does he rest weary limbs and give fringe players like Ollie Bostock an opportunity to shine, as they did in a memorable Third Round tie at Swansea? Common sense says the latter.
Yes, we’d all love a glorious Cup run, but right now, the need to preserve Championship status overrides all other considerations, meaning that any player with questionable fitness or energy levels is likely to be rested. That should at least ensure a start for Bostock, the penalty shoot-out hero at the Liberty Stadium; likewise Mikey Johnston, Albion’s most effective attacking threat, who has found himself benched in recent games as Ramsay tinkers with the formation.
Unlike The Baggies, Norwich will be able to focus fully on the Cup tie. They’ve enjoyed a dramatic upturn since the arrival of ex-Rangers boss Phillipe Clement and safety is now virtually guaranteed after a horrendous autumn when they lost eight home games in a row - including a 1-0 reverse to The Baggies in October, courtesy of what is sadly becoming a collector’s item - a goal by Josh Maja.
Given that the play-offs look beyond The Canaries, the knockout tournament is probably their last opportunity to glean something from their season, providing them with every incentive to field a full strength team. Their current run of 6 wins in 7, including that 5-0 thrashing at The Hawthorns, strongly suggests the likelihood of a home win.
Cheeky half? Most Albion fans gather will gather in the Queen of Iceni, a giant Wetherspoon close to the ground, but The Murderers on Timber Hill, a 15-20 minute walk away is an atmospheric old boozer serving a great range of ales.