BORO v WBA
Riverside Stadium, Middlesbrough
20h00, Friday 19th September 2025
SKY SPORTS MAIN EVENT and SKY SPORTS FOOTBALL
|
|
Played |
W |
D |
L |
GF |
GA |
PTS |
POS'n |
|
BORO |
5 |
4 |
1 |
0 |
9 |
3 |
13 |
1st |
|
WBA |
5 |
3 |
1 |
1 |
6 |
4 |
10 |
5th |
Off we go then. My apparent love-in with West Bromwich Albion continues, with this being my third headliner for a match against them in under a year. The much-loved institution that is “Just a Minute” springs to mind and I will have to be very careful to complete this piece 'without hesitation, repetition or deviation'. It’s a tough call, so apologies if I do repeat anything mentioned previously or head too far off-piste.
Actually, when Andy-R put up the roster for this season’s headline writers back in July, I don’t suspect any one of us could have imagined just what a happy place we would all be in after the first five games played and on the back of what many were gloomily anticipating the summer transfer window might (or might not) bring. Here we are, five [league] games played, thirteen points on the board already and at the top of the table. How good is that? So now, and with apologies to the late and great Alan Hull, we can safely say that our summer memories lie in ruins, ‘cos we’ve found we can compete. Honestly everybody. Which of us would have thought it back then?
Given West Brom were also having a good start to the season, at least until Saturday’s surprise one-nil reversal against Derby, it looked like Sky had picked out a plum fixture to entertain the nation with on Friday. Howsoever, while it might not be quite the table-toping clash I am sure Baggies fans would have liked, they could still overtake us. I am still nipping myself to convince that I am not dreaming and that Boro’s top of the table position is for real.
We are all familiar with what has been happening at Middlesbrough. Perhaps the only topic up for discussion this week is who will make the starting eleven:
- is that sickness bug going to take down more of the squad?
- has Whitaker done enough to hold onto his starting berth?
- will Strelec start ahead of Sène?
- will Fry be fit to take part?
So what of our opponents then?
The Baggies were having a flying start to the season. Unbeaten after four, with three wins and a draw, including an impressive one-nil victory away against a Stoke City side which has also started the season brightly. However, something seems to have gone wrong for them on Saturday. Despite West Brom dominating play and having 18 attempts, including one hitting the woodwork, somehow Derby managed to steal all three points in the 84th minute with their single attempt on target over the entire match. I think we need to be careful about reading too much into the result and I am sure we can expect West Brom to be eager to put things straight again on their next outing.
Like Boro, West Brom had a large influx of new signings over the summer window: nine in total. This has helped to bring the average age of their squad down and to be able to field a team with an average age under 25 years. This, Sporting Director Andrew Nestor believes, enables them to play with more athleticism and to move the ball forward more quickly. If that sounds a little familiar, it is perhaps not surprising that these two teams are up there with the early front-runners?
Also, like Boro, West Brom appointed a new head coach over the summer. Ryan Mason, who took the helm in June, is only 34 years old and this is his first permanent appointment as head coach. Previously he has worked as number two to Postecoglou at Spurs. In fact, Mason had been with Spurs since he was eight years old and was enjoying a very successful playing career until a serious head injury in early 2017 brought his playing days to a premature end. As a coach he benefitted from working with both Pochettino and Mourinho at Spurs, and was even appointed interim head coach when Mourinho departed.
The more I read about Mason I am struck by just how similar his attitude to playing the game is to that of Rob Edwards. He has West Brom playing on the front-foot in a high energy "pass and move" style, keeping focus on winning the ball back and on attacking purposefully, as opposed to playing overly-possessive football. So style-wise we stand to have two teams playing a similar and high tempo game, which could be very exciting to watch.
Who then, are the Baggies Boro will need to be most wary of on the night?
The dangerman has to be 21 years old Northern Ireland international midfielder Isaac Price. Price already has three goals and one assist for West Brom so far this season. He also matched our own David Strelec by scoring against Germany in the World Cup qualifiers, (although Northern Ireland did go on to lose the game by three goals to one). That goal was his 10th already in a senior Irish shirt. He has also been West Brom’s (BBC) player of the match on two occasions already this season. He joined Albion in the last January transfer window from Standard Liege, but so impressive has he been, Baggies fans were already anxious he might be lost to the Premier League in this summer’s window. Similar relief to us re HH then.
Of course, Middlesbrough fans should not need an introduction to Samuel Iling-Junior, who joined West Brom on loan on the last day of the transfer window. Junior has said that Mason hopes to use his (Junior’s) pace and dribbling to create opportunities. I rather suspect he will make more of an impact for WBA playing Mason’s style than he did for Boro in Carrick’s system. I also suspect he will have a big incentive to deliver a special performance at the Riverside. One to keep contained if he plays.
Up front for WBA and looking to capitalise on the opportunities that Iling-Junior and Price will create, is Norwegian Aune Heggebo. Twenty-four years old Heggebo joined in July and has featured in all of their games so far this season. Despite only having scored once (in the Carabao cup), he has impressed sufficiently to get called up to Norway’s senior squad for the World Cup qualifiers during the international break just passed. However, with goal-machine Haaland still in imperious form, it is no surprise Heggebo remained on the bench until the last couple of minutes of Norway’s 11 goal mauling of Moldova, to win his first senior cap.
Another new face at West Brom from the summer transfer window is the experienced 28 years old defender Nat Phillips. Although Phillips joined from Liverpool, he actually spent most of his time with that club out on loan at Stuttgart, then Bournemouth, Celtic, Cardiff and finally last season at Derby. He has already earned one (BBC) player of the match award for his new club, but has consistently challenged for that accolade in every appearance so far. He was also the goal scorer in that victory over Stoke City just before the international break, so not only a solid defender, but dangerous up front at set pieces.
Alongside Phillips at the back is Welsh International Chris Mepham, who joined in the summer from Bournemouth. These two have played together previously at Bournemouth in 2022, so they are already familiar with each other’s game. They make a strong partnership in the centre of defence, so Boro is going to have to show some guile and a bit of pace if we are to trouble Josh Griffiths in their goal.
This has the potential to be one of the games of the season and for either side a draw will be a creditable outcome. However, even before the arrival of Strelec, Boro had scored one more goal already than WBA, who had conceded three goals in four games, to Boro’s one. The two goals we conceded on Saturday should have been avoided and had Fry been fit both goals , almost certainly the second, would surely have been avoided. At the time I am writing this, we don’t know if Fry will be fit to play on Friday. I hope so as he had been in imperious form before the international break. With him starting I think Boro has a slight edge over the Baggies in both defence and attack, without him we look a little more vulnerable. That said, we do have home advantage at what I expect will be a packed Riverside. Are we going to see Boro maintain their unbeaten status? Could this be our fifth victory in six games? I am going to stake my reputation on it. A Strelec brace, with Conway adding a third would be good to see. Is the dream set to continue I wonder?
What do you think?
Wonderful, Powmill! Thank you. I loved the Lindisfarne reference.
You’ve given us a whole raft of information about The Baggies and their ‘ones to watch,’ none of which I knew. Very helpful.
I hope Strelec starts on Friday. I believe he can play in the hole behind the single striker, so he doesn’t have to be in direct competition for Conway’s place. He and Tommy were very effective together at Preston. And I hope Nypan also starts. He, too, was very good on Saturday. We have plenty of options on the bench if we need to change it later on - Sène, Hansen, Whittaker, Burgzorg. If both Strelec and Nypan start, I think we’ll win.
You said you’re expecting a bumper crowd. I really hope you’re right. Boro deserve nothing less, so I just hope the Sky factor does not depress the gate by much.
Btw, I think Edwards’ defence of Whittaker in the EG today is splendid. Rather than push the jeering under the carpet he has tackled it head on with his direct appeal to supporters not to criticise players struggling. I hope fans heed this call. I love how the manager sees us all as integral and crucial parts in building up the Boro family. I’ve no doubt that behind the scenes he will have put his arm round Whittaker’s shoulders and will be doing all he can to encourage the lad. Let’s hope MW gets a goal soon to boost his confidence.
Excellent piece thank you Powmill.
Could be our toughest game so far this season and I suspect it will be very tight and probably a one goal decider, unless both teams cancel one another out.
I am at an eightieth birthday celebration on Friday evening so will have to catch up once we get back.
Just a minor point, we have amassed 13 points so far this season and hopefully it will be 16 by late Friday evening. 😎
An excellent pre-match briefing on the new West Brom squad, Powmill. Like Clive I didn't know a great deal about their signings, but they seem to have gone in the opposite direction to the Boro in that they have moved away from being one of the oldest and most experienced squads in the division towards a much lower age profile. Very well written and researched, Powmill, as ever. Many thanks
@k-p-in-spain thanks KP and well spotted. I prepared the mini table before the weekend. I didn't have to change the points for WBA and (how could I?), I overlooked changing our points total.
@Werdermouth, can you fix my embarrassing error for me please?
@powmillnaemore A great starter, full of info and insight. I think Friday will be a tough test, but if we can win it’ll be a fantastic marker for just how good we are.
We’re driving back from Devon to Shropshire on Friday - hopefully we’ll be there in time to see the game.
@powmillnaemore Thanks for a top intro to the WBA game. If in doubt, we are top of the division. See https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/championship/table
Up the Boro!
Thank You Powmill, lots of really good information in there on the Baggies and an interesting game ahead.
Generally, we have a decent record against them and also a decent record under the lights for a game on Sky, so here's hoping.
Just a quick one but of the five fixtures we have played, in the corresponding fixtures last season we picked up 7pts, virtually doubled that tally this season, hopefully we can replicate last seasons 3pts against the baggies.
Many thanks Powmill for the well-researched opener as our resident Baggies boffin - I expect it will be a tight game and another test for Edward's table-toppers! I'd agree some results don't always tell the story so we shouldn't read to much into their defeat against Derby - a bit like Coventry who battered Norwich on Saturday with 28 shots on goal but only escaped with a point after 96th minute equaliser.
Anyway, looking forward to the game and if we get another win then it really does put Boro in the driving seat of what is becoming an unexpectedly promising season - especially with many of the fancied teams still not showing any form.
So Chris Wilder has been reappointed at Sheff Utd with the owners who sacked him 3 months ago for not being the man to take them forward under their new AI recruitment model saying...
"Chris Wilder returns with proven leadership and an unparalleled understanding of Sheffield United. We are confident he is the right person to restore momentum, unite the squad and supporters, and deliver the results necessary to achieve our objectives this season."
Interestingly at the time of his sacking, it was reported that it was a split decision by the board, who had actually just given Wilder a new three-year contract in January. Still, one can only imagine what Wilder's choice of words will be when the club tell him in January "sorry Chris the AI doesn't agree with your transfer targets"...
@werdermouth - Before I start to read this new thread, there is something I can't fail to say. It is obvious that Chris Wilder has been locked for some time in a battle with Sir Peter Mandelson. It is a contest to see who can be employed then sacked most times by the same people. Look, lads, a silver bullet won't work. You need a wooden stake driven into the heart to bring an end to it all.
To be honest I would've preferred to have seen Chris Wilder as US ambassador with Peter Mandelson installed as Blades boss...
But who said what?
For too long, decisions have been taken behind closed doors - tablets of stone have simply been passed down to people without bothering to involve people, listen to their views or give them information about what we are doing and why.
Was that Chris Wilder on the board's new recruitment strategy or Peter Mandelson on how policy has been created?
I've come across people who look smart in a suit who haven't really got a lot underneath. It's an unforgiving business and you're easily found out if you're a bit of a fraud.
Was that Chris Wilder on football managers or Peter Mandelson on politicians?
@werdermouth - Nice one!
Excellent starter piece, @Powmill-Naemore, and full of information those of us who haven't steeped ourselves in Baggies' Lore (as you have) simply don't have. Would you like stake your claim to cover the WBA games for life?
It's a good exercise this, having different people writing the Match Preview every week. Apart from giving the same couple of blokes some time off that they wouldn't have if all the Previews were written by them, it's good to read different views expressed in different styles. Hopefully with the same positive results we could very easily become used to, this season, if things carry on as BORO has started.
Incidentally I was driving to Northallerton today. I mentioned to Mrs Dormo that I might very well go to the Tortured Tiger on Friday because the BORO match was being shown live on Sky Main Event and I could watch the game there. She then reminded me that the game is to be played at The Riverside and that I'd be going to the stadium to watch the game, not the pub! Nice try, though!
Very quiet in here last few days, we are top of the league!!
I expect the anticipation to build over the next few days, prior to us gaining our 16th point on Friday evening.
@powmillnaemore Thank you for the very informative Headliner and highlighting of the potential “danger” players.
I expect a very hard game and it may come down to which team makes the fewest mistakes.
Boro just need to tighten up at the back and for the midfield not to lose their man.
Hopefuly a large crowd, even though it is on SKY. I assume WBA will possibly bring a couple of thousand, however with this game being a category A match, it may reduce the walk up Boro fans due to the high cost.
No prediction from me. I am expecting the players to give their all and with it a modicum of luck. A draw would not be the end of the world, although it would be then only two points out of six.
@pedro . A draw would not be the end of the world, although it would be then only two points out of six.
Lets not forget 12 out of 12 before 🤔.
Come on BORO.
We really need a win on Friday since I'm doing the preview for the next game...
@presidentjump There is more to write and to complain about when we play badly. A draw at the boogiest ground (Deepdale) was considered as a good result, I suppose. Eventhough our points per game dropped from 3,0 down to 2,6 potnts per game. Quite a difference 😅
But you are right, it will pick up tomorrow when the WBA match is on the following day. Up the Boro!
@werdermouth Haven't you heard you will be on a sick leave next week. I or OFB will take over....
Up the Boro!
@jarkko very true. Not sure if you ever view the gazette live forums but it is rampant in there if we dare lose a game, one of the reasons I stopped posting on their forum.
The feel good factor is definitely around the club, who would have thought RE after 5 games would be in position to have a little word to 6000 away supporters and it be seen as generally positive.
Though he is a very good and emotional speaker.
🤣@werdermouth Haven't you heard you will be on a sick leave next week. I or OFB will take over....
Up the Boro!
Just caught up with the weeks posts. Thank you all for the kind comments and thanks @werdermouth for correcting the mini league table in the header. Also, loved the play around with the Mandelson and Wilder quotes Werder.
I agree Jarkko. There is always more that people want to post when things don't look so rosy, so we shouldn't be too surprised it is quiet in here.
I haven't seen any news on Dael Fry. I am hoping he will be fit to start on Friday as he will make a big difference to how solid we are against what is a pacy West Brom. Does anyone have any insider information on how everyone in the squad is?
Edwards has yet to lose a game when I write the preview 🤔
@powmillnaemore Dael Fry and Riley (will he ever be fit) McGree, both not ready for WBA.
@President Jump
‘The feel good factor is definitely around the club, who would have thought RE after 5 games would be in position to have a little word to 6000 away supporters and it be seen as generally positive.
Though he is a very good and emotional speaker.’
To be fair, PJ, it wasn’t anything like all 6000 of us who jeered Whittaker at Preston, only about a quarter of the stand in my estimation, if that even. Not me, I hasten to add. The reaction of some fans wasn’t good in itself, of course, though the overall reaction at the end of the game to Boro’s performance was hugely supportive. Let’s hope RE’s words have the positive impact he hopes they will have and that MW very soon turns in the levels of performance we expected.
I think that we'd all like to see him get stuck in a bit more. He seems to be staying very much on the periphery of games as if he doesn't have enough confidence in his own ability. It's probably nothing that a top corner screamer couldn't fix. Better to try and fail than not try at all.
Boro 2-0 , Whittaker and Strelec
UTB
Whittaker seems to lack a physicality to his game that maybe doesn’t quite fit with what Edwards Boro are about.
On form, he may be able to pick out a pass but he’s not alone in that department now - Nypan appears to have a better all round game and also likes a tackle. Whittaker’s early attempted tackle against Preston was wildly mistimed and agricultural that earned him a yellow/orange card that seemed to hinder any further attempts at a tackle for the rest of the game - I don’t think tackling is part of his game really.
So the question for Edwards is based on performance does Whittaker deserve a start ahead of others in the squad?
He has Strelec, Conway, Nypan, Hansen and Sene competing for 3 positions so hard to say yes to that question.
@clive-hurren yes, very true Clive. I certainly wasn't directing my comment at the excellent away supporters, I guess my comment was generalising over how quickly RE has got the supporters on his side.