‘Wouldn’t surprise me at all’ – Dean Ashton issues West Brom promotion verdict ahead of restart
Dean Ashton has backed West Brom to “sail into the Premier League”.
The Baggies restart their promotion campaign against Birmingham City on Saturday afternoon following a three month break in play because of the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic.
Slaven Bilic’s men are currently six points clear of the play-off places, and one point behind league leaders Leeds United.
But former West Ham and Norwich City striker Ashton has backed Albion to hit the ground running, and believes that new regulations allowing for five substitutions could really aid their cause.
Speaking to the Birmingham Mail, he said: “It wouldn’t surprise me at all if they flew when they get back and were too strong for teams.
“With West Brom, I think with coming back so quickly, having the extra substitutions – more than ever – it’s going to be about your squad.
“I look at their squad and their strength in depth, and to be able to bring in the quality towards the end of games when other sides maybe haven’t got that – and players are going to tire – West Brom look really strong for me.
“So, they will sail into the Premier League and it will be down to others to really scrap for the playoff places.”
Here’s hoping that Ashton is spot on here.
One of the key things that has set West Brom apart this season is the wealth of talent they have scattered throughout their squad.
Assuming Bilic were to start with the same XI that drew with Swansea City just before lockdown, he would still have the likes of Grady Diangana, Charlie Austin, Kamil Grosicki, Kieran Gibbs, Gareth Barry, and Rekeem Harper to call upon.
No other side in the division can boast that kind of depth, and now that we can make five changes a match, it should shine through more than ever.
The main thing is to take things one game at a time, but if the Baggies can get off to a good start against Birmingham on Saturday, they will be fancying their chances of wrapping up promotion fairly soon.
In other West Brom news, View: West Brom must be wary of Birmingham threat that nearly cost them at St. Andrew’s.