James Morrison has definitely given something to his team, despite the number of seemingly broken strings in the squad.
The performances have improved, and along with that, they have picked up valuable points that have the Baggies back outside of the relegation zone as things stand.
However, this bet is as much about Bristol City as it is West Brom. The natives are restless at Ashton Gate, with accusations levelled at all strata of management, from ownership to boardroom, to director of football, to head coach, about mismanagement of the entire club.
Gerhard Struber is standing accused of the age-old criticism of “square pegs in round holes,” and whilst neutral observers may point to a fairly ridiculous injury crisis in one position as a cause of this, the Robins faithful are less than impressed to see how a second successive play-off campaign has ebbed away.
There has been no win in four for City, losing three, and four home defeats in six league matches, with a solitary victory coming against marooned Sheffield Wednesday. City fans have come to get used to the fact that they are being outplayed at home too, losing the xG battle comprehensively to Watford, Wrexham, and Derby in recent home games. Indeed, they have a -0.2 xG differential across their last 15 home matches.
West Brom have some momentum to bring into the match. Unbeaten in three, and with a big 3-0 win over play-off contenders Hull in their last match. They have created over 1 xG in each of their last five league matches, comprehensively winning the xG battle over both Hull and Southampton in their last two matches.
Away form has been weak for West Brom all season, but they did get a point at Sheffield United last away game, and they drew at Birmingham and Derby under Eric Ramsay.
Whilst I am not expecting a free-flowing attacking masterclass from Baggies, they know that a point earned here will be a big help in their situation, and with City’s own issues, I like their chances of getting at least that.
