Carlos Corberán expects Saturday’s Sky Bet Championship clash with Plymouth Argyle to be a “very good football game” involving two teams who will attack with “personality”.
The Baggies return to action following a two-week international break by welcoming the Pilgrims to The Hawthorns for the first time in over 13 years.
Last season’s Sky Bet League One champions arrive in the West Midlands with 11 points to their name from the opening 11 matches.
The boss believes they are a side who are capable of “surprising people”, pointing to their thumping 6-2 victory over Norwich City in late September as evidence to support his claim.
Carlos said: “Without doubt, Plymouth are going to test us on Saturday.
“When you analyse their squad and look at some of the players that they have, you are looking at very, very talented players who could play in any type of team in the Championship.
“The fact they play together in one team means they create a level of harmony on the pitch, which then makes them a very dangerous side.
“They are a team which will demand a lot from us, but we are going to try and focus on developing our strengths and our style.
“We are expecting a very competitive game and a very good football game.
“The two teams will try and attack with a lot of personality and will be brave and aggressive in defence.
“Plymouth are a team capable of getting results which may surprise people. You only have to look at the result they got against Norwich City, a game which they won 6-2.
“It may surprise the people, but it doesn’t surprise coaches when you are analysing them.”
Albion’s encounter with Argyle on Saturday marks this season’s dedicated Foundation Day - and the club are inviting supporters to ‘Be Part of our Family’ and ‘Fundraise for the Foundation’.
The aim is to showcase the variety of programmes The Albion Foundation - the charity arm of the Baggies - deliver, and for fans to learn more about how the Foundation supports thousands of people in the Sandwell community.
TAF's goal is to offer something for everyone. You can find out more about their programmes that may offer support to you or someone you know by clicking here.
Corberán described the Foundation and the incredible work they carry out in the local community as “special”, insisting events such as Foundation Day are a prime example of West Bromwich Albion being an inclusive, family club.
“From the first day I arrived at West Bromwich Albion, I knew how proactive and how important the Albion Foundation are in terms of making an impact in the local community.
“It’s one of the most important Foundations in the country.
“Saturday is Foundation Day at The Hawthorns. We know the Foundation are capable of very special things.
“For example, three of England’s Powerchair players who played in the World Cup final on Friday against France are part of the Albion Foundation.
“They are players the Foundation have helped develop from the work they have been carrying out with them through the years, and now, they have just appeared in a World Cup final for their country.
“It was a shame to see them suffer an unfortunate defeat on penalties, but they should be so proud of their efforts. We certainly are. We would like to invite them to a game of ours because it’s important to support them and to show how important they are to the club.
Our @WBAPowerchair stars are into the #FIPFAPowerChairWorldCup2023 final! 🏆
— West Bromwich Albion (@WBA) October 20, 2023
Wishing you all the best against France in the final, lads! 🦁🦁🦁 https://t.co/F6nWxzUKOJ
“Sometimes our attention is just on first-team football, but there is a bigger picture to West Bromwich Albion and it’s important to highlight that.
“Our Foundation help people and our fans overcome a lot of adversity, and that’s so, so special and important. It’s also a massive example for all of us to follow as people.
“They work with so much determination. I know this because I have had many conversations with Rob Lake, the Director of the Foundation. They work tirelessly to positively impact the lives of the people they are working with.
“We need to recognise this and we need to be proud of it.
“West Bromwich Albion is a family club. It’s a club where everyone is integrated and everyone supports each other.
“It’s a feeling I have had since my first day working here. It’s a club which tries to take care of everyone. It’s special and it means a lot for a lot of people.
“I encourage all of our fans who are able to do so, to support Foundation Day and donate to a brilliant organisation.”
