West Brom head coach Darren Moore is expecting a lively atmosphere when his side host Aston Villa in the Championship this evening.
The two Midlands sides meet in the second tier of English football this evening in what is expected to be a hotly contested derby.
It is the first time the two sides have met since the Baggies’ relegation from the Premier League last season, and Moore expects that the fans will get right behind his side.
“I don’t have to say much in terms of the fans and them getting right behind the team in full voice. I know that the fans can’t wait for Friday to come.’’ He told wba.co.uk.
“It means a lot because we’re all local, we love this club, it’s our club, it has unity in it. We’re proud and we’re on our patch.
“It means a lot to everyone connected to the club, and the two teams haven’t come together for a couple of seasons, so it’s extra special.
“It’s one we’re all looking forward to, and I’m looking forward to The Hawthorns being a white hot atmosphere.
“There’s a rivalry that goes back through many seasons and generations of families and that all comes together on Friday night.”
West Brom host Villa this evening for an 8pm kick off at the Hawthorns.