West Bromwich Albion take on one of their most highly-anticipated games in recent history as they play host to bitter rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday.
Facing the Old Gold in the Black Country Derby for the first time in three years, Albion will be absolutely desperate to maintain their prestigious home record against their foes. The Baggies are unbeaten in the previous 11 meetings with Wolves at The Hawthorns, with the last Wanderers win on Baggies soil coming in 1996.
Carlos Corberan's side cannot get complacent with that fact, though, as Wolves are of course a very strong team. The gulf in quality is undeniable, with Gary O'Neil's men 11th in the Premier League and unbeaten in their last six games in all competitions.
West Brom often rotate in the FA Cup but this will likely be a completely different story as keeping the bragging rights is so important. With that in mind, here's the strong starting lineup we believe Albion will name on Sunday.
![Palmer is without doubt the number one choice between the sticks for West Brom, even despite Josh Griffiths’ talent.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/jpim-static/image/2024/01/26/19/41/GettyImages-1930147955.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=800)
1. GK - Alex Palmer
Palmer is without doubt the number one choice between the sticks for West Brom, even despite Josh Griffiths’ talent. | Getty Images
![Furlong has been one of the most improved players this season, perhaps prompted by the competition from Pipa.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/jpim-static/image/2024/01/26/19/08/GettyImages-1948103753.jpg.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=800)
2. RB - Darnell Furlong
Furlong has been one of the most improved players this season, perhaps prompted by the competition from Pipa. | Getty Images
![Kipre is attracting interest from the Premier League and top-flight divisions abroad, he’s been that good.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/jpim-static/image/2024/01/26/19/47/GettyImages-1948092818.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=800)
3. CB - Cedric Kipre
Kipre is attracting interest from the Premier League and top-flight divisions abroad, he’s been that good. | Getty Images
![Bartley seems to have locked down the second central defensive position while Semi Ajayi is at AFCON. He too has attracted top-flight attention.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/jpim-static/image/2024/01/26/19/24/GettyImages-1820095638.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=800)
4. CB - Kyle Bartley
Bartley seems to have locked down the second central defensive position while Semi Ajayi is at AFCON. He too has attracted top-flight attention. | Getty Images