Fresh off a massive derby game against Wolves in the FA Cup last weekend, West Brom are in another big game this weekend when they host fellow Midlands club Birmingham City on Saturday. For West Brom, the aim is simple, to maintain their playoff position, while Birmingham will be hoping they can turn a corner under Tony Mowbray.
West Brom Form GuideIt's been strong from West Brom so far, they head into the weekend in 5th position, with 45 points on the board. The chasing pack are catching though, Sunderland, who are currently outside of the playoffs, have 43 points, making them two behind, and there's a lot of other clubs a little further back.
The main reason behind that gap closing has been that West Brom have lost two of their last three league games, with a win in the other one. The win was a 4-1 home success over struggling Blackburn, but that came in the middle of losses against Norwich 2-0 and Swansea 1-0, halting the progress made for this club.
Birmingham City Form GuideIt's fair to say the season so far for Birmingham has been a ride. They're on their third manager of the season, which tells you all you need to know after 28 league games. Tony Mowbray, formerly of Sunderland, is now the man in charge of making this work, they've looked a little better under him, and job one will be to kick clear of the relegation fight.
They begin the weekend in 20th, seven points clear of the relegation zone, so it's not a disaster, but a little more work is needed. Birmingham won their last league game, beating Stoke 2-1 away from home, a massive three points, and a win that many see as the start of a change under Mowbray.
Match PredictionA big game at The Hawthorns, and I am going for the home side to win it. Yes, Birmingham could be about to turn a corner, but when you look at West Brom overall, they're full of quality, they need a win to remain in the playoffs, and I think they get it here.