West Bromwich Albion currently find themselves in a whole world of trouble.
Kevin Phillips delivered his verdict on the Baggies’ survival hopes, when writing his regular column for the Express & Star, highlighting how the hectic Christmas period could prove to be make or break for Alan Pardew’s side.
West Brom’s 2-1 home defeat against Manchester United yesterday left them sitting precariously in 19th position in the Premier League table, two points adrift of 17th placed Stoke City.
The Black Country outfit do have a run of games against those in and around them in the table over the course of this next month, however.
Five of their next six fixtures come against teams currently sitting in 10th position in the table or lower, with the exception being a home game against Arsenal on New Year’s Eve.
The 44-year-old, who scored 46 goals in 82 appearances for the Baggies, explained why the West Brom players will be feeling nervous at the moment, although he did offer them a reason to be positive, when writing a column for the Express & Star:
“You can be sure the improved form of Crystal Palace and West Ham, who have both climbed out of the bottom three at Albion’s expense, will have been noted at The Hawthorns. It makes players nervous and it is a while since Albion’s have found themselves in this position heading toward Christmas. Over Christmas, one bad performance can easily lead to another. The flip side, of course, is that the schedule offers an opportunity to turn around your season quickly. Win at Stoke on Saturday and you can guarantee Albion will host Everton on Boxing Day brimming with confidence.”
Next up for West Brom is a trip to Stoke City on Saturday, and it is arguably their biggest game of the season so far.
Three points would give everyone involved with the club a huge lift, and could see them climb outside the bottom three, should results elsewhere go their way.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
