West Brom's James Morrison plays down derby edge, flags Wolves triple threat | OneFootball

James Morrison has played down suggestions his Black Country derby experience gives West Brom an edge, making Wolves favourites for Sunday at Molineux, while highlighting the threat of Fer Lopez, Rodrigo Gomes and Mateus Mane.

According to ExpressAndStar.com, this will be his first derby as head coach, and he does not buy the notion he has an edge over Cesar Peixoto, appointed in the summer to replace Rob Edwards.

He believes Peixoto will grasp the occasion, the Portuguese having managed six clubs in his homeland between 2019 and 2026 after a 15-year playing career spanning more than 200 games.

Morrison's derbies as a player included Albion's 5-1 rout at Molineux, and the clubs did not meet again for the remainder of his playing career.

Wolves beat Albion in 2024 through goals from Pedro Neto and Matheus Cunha, who later left for Chelsea and Manchester United.

He noted that both squads look very different from two years ago, praising Wolves for developing players and selling them on to bigger clubs.

He cautioned that losing that calibre can see a team drop out of the division, and stressed Albion must be right defensively.

Morrison has three wins from his derby appearances as a player, including the last time at Molineux in front of fans.

He said he can feel the passion around the club and views these occasions as chances for players and staff to forge special bonds with supporters.

Source: ExpressAndStar.com

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