Allardyce fumes over West Brom v Everton scheduling
West Brom boss Sam Allardyce has slammed the decision to play Everton in between matches with Brighton and Newcastle.
The Baggies crucially picked up three points on Saturday afternoon in a controversial 1-0 victory over Brighton.
But Big Sam is furious with the midweek fixture against an in-form Everton side. Speaking to the Birmingham Mail, he said: “There is no need for this game on Thursday.
“There was another space where it could have been fitted – just after the international break. Why couldn’t it happen there?
“It’s totally and utterly bizarre from our point of view. It feels like a double kick in the teeth, like we don’t want you in the Premier League, we aren’t bothered about you.
“For me, it’s hindered our chances of getting points.
“Hopefully, that won’t be the case and the lads can get through it and they can manage it, but there it is more than likely I will make changes in the next two games than I would like to.”
Against the odds
To echo Big Sam, the decision to play against Everton this week is scandalous.
It works massively in favour of the other sides battling relegation. Newcastle will have had a week’s rest by the time we face-off, whilst the Baggies will compete for the third time in eight days.
Brighton and Newcastle will have obviously been targeted by Allardyce as the games to pick up points. Hosting Everton in between, who are on a great run away from home, will be a massive task.
The Toffees have gone to Anfield and Old Trafford in recent weeks and performed very well, despite their poor home form.
Allardyce does have some more options for this clash, though. Semi Ajayi will be back in contention, he missed the Brighton victory through suspension. Grady Diangana featured for the first time since the beginning of January in the win and could play a role on Thursday also.
Whatever team Big Sam selects, the odds won’t be in his favour on Thursday.
In other West Brom news, Gary Lineker gave his view on Lee Mason’s officiating in the clash with Brighton.