Following their controversial win over Brighton & Hove Albion last time out, Sam Allardyce’s West Brom are now nine points from Premier League survival.
While that is still a significant challenge, many will feel that if there is a manager capable of avoiding the drop then Big Sam is the man.
With 12 fixtures remaining, where can the Baggies pick up vital points as they hope to maintain their top-flight status?
Where West Brom Can Pick up Points in bid for Premier League Survival
Brighton Win Could Springboard West Brom Season
Picking up three points against Brighton was crucial in the Baggies bid for survival. Although the game was littered with controversy and it wasn’t the best West Brom performance, the team got the job done and that was all that mattered in a crucial Premier League clash. Brighton ended the game with 70 per cent possession, they missed two penalties and had a goal disallowed. It was the luck that the Baggies needed.
Despite the fact the win against Brighton was highly important, West Brom have only recorded two victories since Sam Allardyce came into the club and have managed just three all season. From his 13 Premier League games in charge, the Baggies have lost seven.
Now though, Allardyce’s side are nine points from safety. West Brom will be hopeful that the win can boost morale and be a catalyst for positive Premier League results.
Big Sam is Leaving it Tight to Save the Baggies
Sam Allardyce took charge after 13 games with the Baggies 19th in the table on just seven points. He has taken charge of as many matches as his predecessor Slaven Bilic but has only picked up three more points in that time.
With 12 games remaining, a further ten points may not be enough to secure their top-flight status. Over the last ten years, 35 points has been the average number of points for teams to stay up, with the Aston Villa ending their campaign on that number and still surviving just last season. West Brom are currently on 17 points.
Allardyce has avoided the drop in the past. Sunderland, Bolton Wanderers, Blackburn Rovers and West Ham have all been success stories for the Baggies manager, and fans will be hoping for another remarkable story.
Upcoming Premier League Fixtures for West Brom
West Brom face a tricky test on Thursday when Allardyce welcomes one of his former clubs, Everton. The Toffees require points for a different reason and will be a tough test for the Baggies. Another former employer visits the Hawthorns on Sunday when strugglers Newcastle come to town. If Allardyce can secure a minimum of three points from these two fixtures then it could be the perfect start.
West Brom then face a third successive former Allardyce club when the Baggies travel to Crystal Palace. While the Eagles are all but safe, they are a side that West Brom could pick up points against.
A difficult game at Chelsea follows before a home game against Southampton. Like Palace, the Saints are also a strong side but have slipped down the table and could be there for the taking as a result.
Allardyce then needs to gear his side up for a run of tricky ties for the season finale. Away games against Leicester City and Aston Villa is followed by the Black Country derby against Wolves. The Baggies won the reverse and completing the double over the rivals could be integral.
Arsenal away comes after that before back to back home games against Liverpool and West Ham. West Brom finish the season with a trip to Leeds.
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