Wolves v West Brom: Four key battles for the Black Country derby

Wolves and Albion lock horns in front of supporters in league action for the first time since 2012 on Sunday.

Here are some areas where Sunday’s derby can be won or lost.

Fer Lopez v Ousmane Diakite

Lopez is undoubtedly Wolves’ biggest creative threat and much of the joy in the final third so far this season has come through the Spaniard.

The former Celta Viga man will occupy a central attacking midfield role and will look to test an Albion backline by picking up spaces beyond the Albion midfield.

Much of the onus to track Lopez will rest with defensive midfielder Diakite.

The powerful, combative Malian is most likely to partner Jayson Molumby in the heart of midfield and both have defensive mindsets. Molumby is more likely to try to break forward, leaving Diakite to track Lopez’s movement and try to cut out his influence.

Isaac Price v Kieran Trippier

Left-sided attacker Price is one of the Baggies’ chief threats and part of a flank that has caused a lot of damage already this term.

Unfortunately for James Morrison’s Albion, the visitors are likely to have talented left-back Callum Styles - one of a very lively trio on that side - covering as an emergency right-back.

Former England international Trippier is almost certain to get the right-back call over Jackson Tchatchoua, much to the relief of the home faithful. Trippier, who turns 36, will be guarded against a birthday runaround.

Adam Armstrong v Nat Phillips

Armstrong is now certain to lead the line against his former club with Raul Jimenez sidelined.

Albion will be guarded against their former loan dud - who scored three goals in 16 outings early in 2025 - having the bit between his teeth.

He has five career goals against the Baggies - two in the play-offs and two last season. His threat is clear.

Seasoned Albion stopper Phillips has enjoyed a fine season so far and he should be kept busy on Sunday.

Jimmy-Jay Morgan v Ladislav Krejci

Morgan has hit the ground running with his new club and in the Championship after the youngster, 20, checked in from Chelsea.

He is Albion’s biggest goal threat and in a decent partnership with Aune Heggebo, the cultured youngster looks like a top prospect.

Krejci is Wolves’ best defender and home fans will back the Czech’s quality to deal with the visitors’ top scorer.