West Bromwich Albion are currently languishing in 19th position in the Premier League table with last weekend’s win being their first in some time. Opening this Premier League campaign with back to back wins before enduring a club record winless run of 20 games made the three points earned from Saturday’s visit of Brighton a welcome relief to Baggies fans. Despite the pitfalls of this season, West Brom are not a relegation certainty. Far from it, but fortress Hawthorns will be key.
Fortress Hawthorns Will Be Key To West Brom Survival
Fortress Hawthorns
West Brom are not cut adrift from the pack, despite the previously mentioned barren run. They now sit just two points behind Southampton, who are currently enduring their own winless run in 16th. Managing to keep themselves within touching distance of those around them whilst not winning games has been key. This is a feat managed thanks in part to the poor quality of the teams around them at the bottom of the table this season but mostly because of their rigidity at home.
Of Albion’s twelve Premier League home games, just three visiting teams have taken maximum points from the Hawthorns. Only the two Manchester clubs and Chelsea have tasted victory at West Brom making them one of the most difficult sides to visit outside of the top six. One of the biggest problems West Brom face this season is a fundamental lack of goals; only Brighton and bottom club Swansea have scored fewer.
With seven draws and two wins at home, West Brom offer assurances that they can compete in the top tier but home form will be key in the battle to survive and with four of Albion’s remaining eight home games coming against those in the bottom half of the table, a good haul of points is possible. In a game of fine margins, it is entirely possible that Albion can finish in a comfortable position, home draws have kept West Brom in the race but converting those draws into wins will see them over the line.
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