Eng. Championship
2007-05-28 - West Brom vs Derby County
A Sports Betting Pick by Indi Colts
WEST BROMWICH ALBION
West Brom are the form team in this play off final. They came into the playoffs with a superb 7-0 victory over Barnsley.
They followed that up with a great win away to rivals Wolves in the first leg and easily disposed of them in the 2nd leg to go through 4-2 on agg.
Many people felt that they were the favourites to go up this year and that they had the strongest squad. I still think they have the strongest squad and some of their results have shown this.
They finished 4th in the league but could beat anyone, anywhere on their day. But they could also lose anywhere against anyone and this is the reason they didnt go up automatically.
The baggies will be hoping for a quick return to the top flight.
DERBY COUNTY
Derby were ever so close to going up automatically. They lead the league for quite a while before losing top spot, and then 2nd place in the final few games of the season. They finished 3rd and only 2 points behind Birmingham.
They were solid both home and away and are very difficult to beat. Steve Howard is a crucial player and he has scored many crucial goals including against Southampton in the semis.
People say that 3rd place doesn't often go up through the playoffs but Derby are aiming to achieve it this year.
Team News
West Brom look like they will be unchanged from the 2nd leg of the semi v Wolves. Chaplow may return but is struggling with his back injury.
Derby will probably make one change in their team from the 2nd leg. Giles Barnes is likely to come in down the right side to bring some pace to the team.
Probable Lineups :
West Brom - Kiely, McShane, Perry, Sodje, Robinson, Koren, Greening, Gera, Koumas, Kamara, Phillips.
Derby - Bywater, Mears, Moore, Leacock, McEveley, Fagan, Oakley, Seth Johnson, Barnes, Macken, Howard.
Prediction
West Brom are the favourites here even though they come into it from 4th position whilst Derby finished 3rd.
The baggies have a much stronger squad than Derby but Derby's team can beat anyone on their day and are very difficult to beat.
I feel that West Brom have too much quality and pace and should take this final. Derby are not known for their pace and Kamara can capitalise on this.
Sam Sodje has looked amazing at the back for West Brom and not many people win the headers against him so Steve Howard will be in for a tough game.
The Pick :
West Brom 2-1 Derby
BEST BETTING TIP :
West Brom to win in 90 mins @ 2.38West Brom 2-1 Derby @ 9.50
Kamara to score anytime @ 3.25
