West Brom boss sees reality not hoodoo in Stoke dog-fight duel

Apr 3 2009 by Robert Tanner, Birmingham Post

Almost as much has been made of the clash of styles between the two sides as the hoodoo.

While Mowbray is totally committed to his pure form of football, Stoke are known for their direct and uncompromising style.

Their physical approach and reliance on set pieces has certainly brought them better fortune than Albion but Mowbray will not compromise his beliefs and, while he respects Stoke’s achievements, don’t expect a Mowbray side to adopt a similar approach.

“It will be an interesting game and contrasting styles of play,” he said.

“As Bolton showed in our last game, it can be just as profitable to play a counter-attack style and to play more direct because you can create more goalscoring opportunities. We understand that.

“It isn’t the way we choose to play but I would never criticise another team’s style of play. It is what they choose and if it gets them some rewards then good luck to them.

“That is the style of play they have chosen and it has worked reasonably well for them in the Premier League this year.

“Our style is different because we try to build up through the midfield and into the forward areas. What is right and wrong? It doesn’t matter. We are both trying to win football matches.”

Mowbray believes the key to success for Albion will be how well they defend those set pieces and particularly the howitzer long throws of Rory Delap.

The recent return from injury of Jonas Olsson will bolster an Albion defence that has been more than generous in the last few months and Mowbray said his side would be fully prepared for what they will face.

“We coped very well with their set pieces and long throws earlier in the season at the Britannia,” he said. “They didn’t really give us too many problems that day. We have to be as effective again defending them at home.

“In my mind it will come down to how we defend the directness of the balls coming into our box because we know they will be coming, and whether we can be creative, clever and patient enough to break them down.

“These are the questions we have to face at the weekend. We are fully aware of Stoke’ strengths and weaknesses but it is easier said than done.

“We have to work hard against a well-organised and structured defensive block.

“We know we will have plenty of the ball against Stoke and it is whether we can be creative and patient enough to make some opportunities.”