Arabic version: ديربي بلاك كانتري يعود إلى مولينو
According to BBC News, Wolverhampton Wanderers and West Bromwich Albion will meet in a Black Country derby that returns as a league fixture for the first time in more than five years. Sunday’s match will also be the first league derby at Molineux in front of supporters since 2012.
The rivalry dates back to the earliest years of English football. Wolves won the first league meeting 2-1 in December 1888, during the Football League’s first season, although Albion had won the sides’ first two meetings in FA Cup ties in 1886 and 1887. Across the fixture’s 138-year history, Albion have 55 league wins and Wolves have 52.
Recent history has favoured Albion, who have won 10 of 18 league and cup derbies since the start of the new Millennium, compared with four Wolves victories. Wolves won the most recent meeting, however, beating Albion 2-0 in the FA Cup fourth round at The Hawthorns in January 2024. That match was halted for 38 minutes after police were assaulted, missiles were thrown and flares were set off.
The clubs have issued a joint statement calling for the rivalry to remain friendly. Albion head coach James Morrison, who played in five derbies including the 5-1 win at Molineux in February 2012, said: “These are the games you want to be involved in.” Wolves boss Cesar Peixoto, preparing for his first derby, told players: “Play with passion but also with your head.” Wolves are three points behind Albion in the early Championship table with a game in hand.
