West Brom have a “really strong shot” at making the playoffs, according to The Athletic’s Phil Hay.
Hay, who covers Leeds United for the online publication, was speaking on the Square Ball podcast (22 December, 10:30) and expressed his admiration for the Baggies’ performance against Leicester City on 2 December.
West Brom lost a heartbreaking last-gasp defeat to the table-topping Foxes in that match, but Hay believes Carlos Corberan’s fifth-placed side has strong credentials for the top six.
“I watched West Brom vs. Leicester.” “They impressed me; Corberan’s done some good down there,” Hay said.
“They’ve always been a pretty good team under him and again I think they’ve got a really, really strong shot at making the playoffs.”
If we’re being completely honest, not many people – perhaps even outside of The Hawthorns – would have predicted West Brom would be promotion contenders this season, owing largely to the amount of off-field drama.
But the Baggies have been quietly impressive this season, flying under the radar to firmly establish themselves in the playoff hunt under Corberan, a highly regarded Championship coach.
There is still a long way to go, and the Baggies must wait to see if the club’s takeover will be completed, because if it isn’t, there may be some painful sales to deal with in January.
However, if Corberan can keep his squad together, get a few players off the treatment table, and possibly add one or two players in the transfer window, West Brom will be in the running for the top six.
