Wolverhampton Wanderers will host West Bromwich Albion at Molineux on Sunday, September 20, with kick-off scheduled for 12pm UK time.
The Black Country Derby returns after more than two years, with the sides last meeting in the FA Cup, where Wolves came out on top.
Wolves looking to bounce back
Cesar Peixoto’s side will be looking to respond after their midweek disappointment against Everton in the Carabao Cup.
Wolves have made a strong start to the season, winning three of their opening six games and losing just once.
They have also impressed in front of goal, scoring 14 times – the third-highest total in the league.
Fer López and crowd favourite Raúl Jiménez have been among their standout performers, with both players scoring three goals so far this season.
They are closely followed by Zimbabwe international Marshall Munetsi.
With home advantage and the added motivation of a local derby, Wolves will be hoping to use their attacking threat to put pressure on the Baggies.
West Brom flying high
West Brom have also made a strong start. James Morrison’s side sit joint-top of the table, with 14 points from their opening seven games.
One of the Baggies’ standout performers has been new signing Jimmy Jay Morgan.
The former Chelsea academy graduate has made an impressive start to life at the club, registering six goal contributions in seven games, with three goals and three assists.
Isaac Price is another player Wolves will need to keep a close eye on.
Since joining West Brom from Standard Liège in the winter of 2025, the midfielder has established himself as an important part of the team.
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A Derby with plenty at stake
The Black Country Derby is one of the most fiercely-contested rivalries in English football, and the fixture has previously been marred by disorder.
Following the last meeting, which saw 43 arrests, Wolves and West Brom released a joint statement ahead of Sunday’s game outlining what supporters can expect, including enhanced stewarding and policing.
With emotions likely to run high, it could be another feisty encounter – and supporters should not be surprised if the referee has plenty to deal with.
Predicted line-ups
Wolverhampton Wanderers: Sa, Bueno, Krejčí, Djiga, Tchatchoua, André, Munetsi, Mané, López, Gomes, Jiménez
West Bromwich Albion: O’Leary, Styles, Phillips, Mepham, Townsend, Nzingoula, Molumby, Colwill, Price, Myhre, Morgan
Our prediction
This should be a hard-fought contest between two sides in good form.
Wolves’ home advantage could prove crucial in a derby of this magnitude, although West Brom’s strong start and impressive away record will make them difficult opponents.
The Baggies have lost just once on the road this season, which could pose a significant problem for the hosts.
Ultimately, we expect Wolves to edge a closely-contested Black Country Derby.
Prediction: Wolverhampton Wanderers 2–1 West Bromwich Albion
By Elliot Desage
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