Kevin Phillips discusses West Brom team selection ahead of clash v Chelsea
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 West Brom should attempt to play on the front foot when they take on in-form Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday afternoon.
Albion have nine games left to close down a 10-point gap to safety and avoid relegation back to the Championship.
However, they have tough fixtures remaining and first up in their run-in is a clash against Thomas Tuchel’s high-flying Chelsea.
Sam Allardyce has hardly tampered with his team selection in recent weeks but will be forced into at least one change on Saturday with loanee Conor Gallagher unavailable to play against his parent club.
Phillips believes that attack-minded players like Callum Robinson and Grady Diangana stand a chance of being selected in the starting line-up if Big Sam opts to be an attacking threat against Chelsea.
“I think Sam will be assessing it and picking a team he thinks can get something there. Ultimately, it’s going to be a really difficult game,” Phillips told West Brom News.
“If you want to go there and attack them, Robinson and Diangana will come into your thoughts, but you leave yourself open at the back. Or, do you go there and shut up shop, put more defensive-minded players in who are going to do the job and rely on them to nick something?”
Robinson, 26, hasn’t played for the Albion since February 2 in the defeat to Sheffield United. He’s been an unused substitute in every game since.
Diangana, 22, was an unused substitute against Crystal Palace before the international break after recovering from a spell on the sidelines with an injury.
He’s made just two Premier League appearances since the start of 2021 due to his injuries but could be in contention to play against Chelsea on Saturday.
West Brom need to start picking up points quickly if they want to stand any chance of avoiding relegation and while Phillips doesn’t expect to see his former club get anything at Stamford Bridge this weekend, he claims that Albion’s issues have been in playing teams in and around them in the table.
Phillips added: “The draws aren’t enough for West Brom at the moment. They’re better off at having a go at the game. If you get something, great. If you don’t, you’re not expected to anyway.
“It’s the teams around them and the home games they should be winning.
“I’m sure they’ve got a chance [against Chelsea] but it just depends on what style Big Sam wants to play.”
In other West Brom news, Phillips has urged the Albion to sign this left-back who might be available on a free transfer in the summer.
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