Nick Ware

Fri 15 October 2021 12:10, UK

This is part of a regular series from our panel of Super Fans on upcoming West Brom fixtures. Ahead of Friday’s game against Birmingham City, we spoke to Blues fan Adam Dee, who runs the number one independent BCFC platform @BluesFocus.

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West Brom play host to a beleaguered Birmingham City side on Friday night in the first Championship clash after the October international break.

The Midlands rivals both started the month in disappointing fashion, losing 1-0 to Stoke City and 3-0 to Nottingham Forest respectively, before club football paused for two weeks.

Birmingham will be eager to claim a first victory since September 10 at The Hawthorns tonight while West Brom will be looking to avenge their first league defeat of the season last time out.

Ahead of derby day, we spoke to Birmingham fan Adam Dee, member of the number one independent BCFC platform @BluesFocus, who delivered the lowdown from the Blues side.

What have you made of West Brom this season? Are there any players that have caught your eye so far?

The Baggies have impressed me so far this season and although you had three draws and looked to be falling off, you’ve come back strong with two wins over tough opposition in QPR and Cardiff. As you lost at Stoke I think it will be a very tough game for us as you look to put things right again and put a push back on Bournemouth. Karlan Grant is a name that I’ve been seeing pop up everywhere recently so I think he’s the man that could hurt us come Friday night. Alex Mowatt is also a threat.

What have been the main issues during your winless run over the last five games?

To put it bluntly, our defence. Ever since the Derby County victory [2-0] we haven’t been able to win a game, let alone look like winning one. The complete calamity of the defence began at Peterborough United and ever since that 3-0 drubbing, it’s been Sunday league stuff! No closing down, no cooperation, and certainly no leadership. However, that’s not to say we haven’t been creating chances…

Who will cause the most problems to Albion on Friday? Will Troy Deeney start?

It all depends on which formation we choose. Our most dangerous player has arguably been Jeremie Bela, but with him playing in a left wing-back position he’s not comfortable in, his attacking prowess has been belittled of late. However, if Bowyer opts for four at the back, he and [Tahith] Chong could prove to be very dangerous on the counter and down the flanks.

I am expecting Deeney to start yes, however, I don’t think he will play the full 90 minutes.

Score prediction?

I’m going for a 1-1 draw. I think the international break came at a good time for us and hopefully, we don’t see any more of that Sunday league defending moving forward. I think you lot will take the lead and we’ll snatch a late equaliser which all Blues fans will agree, we’ll take that.

In other West Brom news, Simon Jordan suggests the Baggies as the next destination for this award-winning manager.

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