Exclusive: Allardyce could drop Pereira for West Brom clash v Palace – Phillips
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 claims Sam Allardyce could drop Matheus Pereira from West Brom’s starting line-up ahead of playing Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Saturday.
Pereira, 24, is Albion’s top goalscorer in all competitions this season with six to his name in 25 appearances but the Brazilian’s form has left fans underwhelmed lately.
The former Sporting CP playmaker hit a purple patch in January but has failed to build on that in recent weeks.
Pereira remains West Brom’s most technically-gifted player but ex-Albion striker Phillips has called on the South American to do more otherwise he could be facing the Big Sam axe.
In an exclusive interview with West Brom News, Phillips was asked whether Pereira should be dropped by Allardyce ahead of the trip to Palace this weekend. Phillips said: “He could do.
“I don’t want to have to single him out but when you need players to step up and start creating opportunities, you look at the likes of him, Conor Gallagher and Matt Phillips to take games by the scruff of their neck. They never did that at the weekend.
“They need a result against Palace. Does Sam change it or freshen it up? He probably will, they need to get a result.
“They had to beat Newcastle at the weekend and players like Pereira have got to step up, create opportunities and chip in with goals. It’s as simple as that if they want to survive.”
Pereira has not been directly involved in a West Brom goal since scoring against Fulham on January 30.
In January, the attacker scored five goals in all competitions, including a brace against bitter local rivals Wolves as Albion won 3-2 at Molineux.
Pereira lit up the Championship last term but is struggling to do the same in the Premier League for the Baggies and Allardyce needs to try something new to get a tune out of the misfiring ace.
It’s a massive match for West Brom at Palace this weekend but all but one of Pereira’s goals this season have come away from The Hawthorns.
Let’s hope he can tick of Selhurst Park as the next stadium he gets on the scoresheet at.
In other West Brom news, John Percy has shared a major transfer update on the Baggies.
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