adminRob Edwards highlights four ‘very good’ West Brom stars who could stun Middlesbrough
Those who buy fully into the existence of a so-called Manager of the Month curse will have felt even more emboldened by Rob Edwards’ Middlesbrough dropping points and Ryan Mason’s West Brom slipping up at home.
While new left-back Matt Targett was enthused by Middlesbrough’s Deepdale fightback – Sontje Hansen’s stoppage-time equaliser kept their unbeaten run going and showcased the spirit of potential play-off challengers – there was to be no late riposte from the Baggies in the East Midlands.
Rob Edwards beat Ryan Mason to August’s Manager of the Month award.
And on the day that Edwards’ 100 per cent Championship record was finally broken, Mason would suffer his first defeat in the West Brom dugout thanks to Andi Weimann’s late Derby County winner at the Hawthorns.
Ahead of Friday night’s curtain-raiser between two of this season’s early pacesetters, meanwhile, Edwards is wary of a West Brom response on the banks of the Tees.
Particularly that attacking quartet of Isaac Price, Mikey Johnston, Aune Heggebo and Jed Wallace
Rob Edwards says Middlesbrough must beware West Brom’s front four
Edwards, speaking at his press conference on Thursday afternoon, admits he is expecting a ‘really difficult game’ against an Albion side who can draw level with the league leaders with a first Riverside victory since Hal Robson-Kanu’s heroics in 2019.
“Ryan Mason has done a really good job quickly,” Edwards says. “And West Brom are always strong in this league from my experience of many years of being in and around this sort of level, as a player or managing. West Brom are always strong.
“They have started well with some really good individuals, a very well organised team. You can see a real clear way of how they play, which you would expect.
“I think it will be an exciting game as well. It will be two good teams that are playing with confidence so we are really looking forward to it.”
Aune Heggebo and Isaac Price face a Boro side without Dael Fry
While Edwards indicated that under-fire winger Morgan Whittaker is likely to keep his place – some Middlesbrough fans want the former Plymouth star removed from the firing line after Whittaker was jeered off at Preston – star defender Dael Fry has been ruled out of Friday’s meeting.
The absence of Fry will boost Heggebo’s hopes of a first Championship goal at the sixth attempt. Jed Wallace and Mikey Johnston remain capable of producing something from nothing, meanwhile, and Isaac Price’s late runs into the penalty area will also give Edwards’ backline plenty to think about.
“We are always aware of the opposition and we have to respect what they’ve got,” adds the former Luton and Watford coach. “They’ve got some really good players, especially that front four.
“They are very good without the ball. They’ve got a real clear identity both with and without [the ball], but they’ve got some real threats in that top area of the pitch [too].
“So, of course, we have to be aware of that.”
Edwards’ opposite number, meanwhile, used exactly the same word in his own pre-match build-up. A ‘difficult’ away trip indeed.
“It’s going to be a difficult match,” Mason said. “And we understand the moment Middlesbrough are in, but we have to go there full of confidence and belief in our own game and attack it as much as possible.
“They’re a really good team with really good individuals and a coach in Rob Edwards who has experience of getting out of this league and has managed at the top level as well.
“We understand it’ll be tough, but we go into every game believing in ourselves and this one will be no different. We’re up for it, we want a reaction and we want all three points.”
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