“We’re equipped for this period. We’ve played so many games over the last two seasons, especially over the Christmas period.”
West Brom face Newcastle on Saturday, in a game that could decide the fate of manager Slaven Bilic.
Championship energy
Sawyers touches on a very valid argument and it’s something that the Baggies must look to take advantage of as they battle against relegation.
High energy football is something we have seen from another one of last season’s promoted sides, Leeds United.
Although they play a very unique and specific style of football, hard work and resilience are at the core of what they do so well and it’s something West Brom need to channel in their approach.
It was reported earlier in the season that the Whites, on average are covering an incredible 115km per game in the Premier League.
Their energy is one of the key traits that has made Leeds so hard to beat, as Hector Bellerin explained after Arsenal’s draw with the Whites: “I don’t know if people at home realise how difficult it is to play against a team like this. They literally don’t rest in the whole game and for us, it is a challenge.”
Having been so familiar with the gruelling fixture list that comes with Championship football, the step up to the Premier League should be a welcomed change for these clubs.
Between now and January 2, West Brom play three clubs who are currently involved in European football in the form of Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal – so the added rest could help them through this festive period.
With games against both Newcastle and Aston Villa to come, West Brom’s fortunes could look very different by the time 2021 rolls around.
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