View: West Brom duo could be fighting for one spot as journo confirms interest in 22y/o
With nine games to go, West Brom could be forgiven for having one eye on the Premier League next season.
The Championship restarts on Saturday and Slaven Bilic’s men welcome Birmingham City as they once again start their promotion push.
Every side making the jump to the top-flight will need to make some additions to strengthen their squad and it’s no different in the Midlands.
The Sun journalist Alan Nixon reported on Sunday that West Brom stand a very good chance of signing Wigan defender Antonee Robinson.
That means that Bilic could be looking to strengthen his options at left-back, not good news for both Conor Townsend and Kieran Gibbs.
It could mean that with nine games left to play, the defensive duo are in a battle for one spot next season with one potentially leaving the club.
Gibbs has struggled with injuries in the second half of the season, with Townsend cementing his spot in the side after impressing in the FA Cup victory against West Ham, scoring at the London Stadium.
We’ve decided to compare the duo via WhoScored to see if there is one clear winner to potentially keep his spot at the club next season.
Defensively, Gibbs has made more interceptions and clearances. Townsend has completed more tackles and blocks but has been dribbled past on more occasions.
Going forward, the former Arsenal man wipes the floor with Townsend. The 30-year-old has had more shots, key passes and completed dribbles in every game this season and could have proved his worth.
The question could come down to whether Bilic wants experience or a younger player as a potential back-up, but based on the stats, Gibbs is certainly ahead.
In other West Brom news, Hal-Robson Kanu has opened up on how his Baggies teammates have passed their time in lockdown
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