‘Put the cat among the pigeons’ – Sky pundit delivers West Brom promotion race verdict

Gary O’Neil has suggested that he would rather be in Fulham’s position going into the Championship run-in instead of sitting in the top two as West Brom are. 

The Baggies are six points clear of the play-off places with nine games to go, and restart their promotion bid against Birmingham City on Saturday afternoon.

But despite their notable advantage, O’Neil has still suggested that he would rather be part of the chasing pack.

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Speaking ahead of Fulham’s clash with Brentford on Saturday (Sky Sports Main Event, June 20th, 12pm), he said: “I think it’s an interesting one. I wouldn’t want to be sat in the top two at the minute and worried about trying to get going.

“I’d much rather be chasing at the moment because you’ve got nothing on your shoulders, you’re having a free hit at it.

“Fulham are not expecting to get in there, but if they win today and West Brom slip up, it could really put the cat among the pigeons.”

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This is an unorthodox stance from O’Neil, and one that we just can’t get behind, truth be told.

With nine games to go, six points is a big gap to make up, especially when you look at Fulham’s run-in.

Aside from Brentford, the Whites have to face Leeds United, Nottingham Forest, and us between now and the end of the season.

It will take a superhuman effort for them to close the gap.

That’s not to say that it’s impossible by any means, and we still need to be as careful and prepared as ever, but the fact is that any kind of advantage – especially a six-point one – at this stage of the season is not to be sniffed at.

In other West Brom news, it has been suggested this 29-year-old signed by Tony Pulis could leave in the next transfer window.

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