Baggies to boost promotion hopes
High flying West Brom host an improving Stoke side on Monday at the Hawthorns. Can Michael O’Neill’s side find a way past the best side in the Championship? Have a read of our preview here:
The Baggies bossing it
West Brom fans must really be enjoying this campaign. After years of struggle and the attritional football under the likes of Tony Pulis and Alan Pardew (the less said about his reign the better), Slaven Bilic must seem like a breath of fresh air.
The Baggies have only lost twice all season, once away and just once at home. They are the essence of formidable.
They are, however, five games without a win, four of which have been draws. Only the fact that Leeds have also hit a slump has kept them top of the table but they will be desperate to make sure the dip ends on Monday.
Despite the last five game, the Baggies don’t have a lot to complain about. They have been excellent for much of the campaign.
Bilic’s side have created 152 chances this season, the fourth-highest in the division and their xG is only bettered by three other sides.
The numbers suggest they have a real chance of sealing promotion and the squad they have is doing them credit.
The class of Brazilian midfielder Matheus Pereira has been one of the highlights. He has 10 assists already, a figure not surpassed by any player in the Championship, while also being a delight to watch.
Work in progress for the Potters
Stoke strange slide down the EFL has been painful to watch for their fans but not all that surprising. There are shades of Sunderland about them and not just because of the red and white stripes.
The number of players they had on big money who weren’t willing to graft or simply didn’t care about the club’s plight was shocking. Charlie Adam called them out after the relegation season and it is only now they are beginning to improve and even then only slightly.
James McClean has been a big player for the Potters since O’Neill took charge. He has been moved further forward and has hit two goals and bagged four assists in his last 11 games.
It will take a while for this juggernaut of a club to turn full circle but there are signs things are finally on the up.
West Brom v Stoke City betting tip
Even though West Brom have been on a slightly difficult run, you’d expect them to get back to winning ways at home to lowly Stoke. Therefore, we are backing the Baggies to win by two or more goals at odds of 3/1 with Betway.
