Phillips wants Pereira to start in West Brom v Man Utd, tips Grant for axe – Exclusive
We’re delighted to welcome former West Brom striker Kevin Phillips as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at The Hawthorns…
Kevin Phillips wants to see Matheus Pereira return to the West Brom starting line-up to face Manchester United at The Hawthorns today (Sunday).
Pereira, 24, was shockingly dropped to the bench by Sam Allardyce ahead of West Brom’s defeat to Tottenham last week even though the Brazilian has been one of the most in-form players in the bottom half of the Premier League in recent weeks.
Ex-Albion forward Phillips believes the ex-Sporting CP attacker must start against Man United, suggesting every match is a must-win between now and the end of the season for the struggling Baggies.
“He’s got to bring him back in – it’s as simple as that,” Phillips told West Brom News. “They’re the home team and they have to get a result.
“As much as I feel the season is a bit beyond them now, you never say never and if you don’t get another result at the weekend, that’s another game down and if the teams above win, you find yourself cut adrift even further.
“Why not have a go and get Pereira in the side? They’re the home team but when you look at the stats, being the home team doesn’t mean anything. But for me, he has to come back in.”
Phillips also suggests that Karlan Grant should probably make way for Pereira.
Grant, 23, appeared to be signed as a centre-forward in the summer when he joined from Huddersfield on a six-year deal but was forced out onto the left-wing as Albion lost 2-0 to Spurs in North London.
According to Phillips, Grant was ineffective last Sunday due to him not being totally comfortable with playing out wide.
“I thought Karlan Grant was non-existent last week and at times, I felt sorry for him. He was just running around, not getting a touch of the ball and getting played around because he kind of doesn’t know the position,” Phillips added.
“In my opinion, Pereira has to come back into the side.”
Whoever Big Sam names to start against Man United, it’s going to be a tough match for the Albion.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men have scored 12 goals in their last two league fixtures while West Brom are conceding a rate of goals incomparable to any other side in Premier League history.
Sam Johnstone and the Albion defence are bound to be busy but having the right attacking players on the pitch, to take advantage of any chances that fall their way, is a must for Allardyce and that is why Pereira has to start.
In other West Brom news, Luke Dowling has watched over this English player who the Albion want to sign in the summer.
Be sure to follow West Brom News on Facebook and Twitter for 24/7 updates on the Baggies and more exclusive interviews with Kevin Phillips.