Sky Sports host baffled by West Brom, predicts result v Middlesbrough
David Prutton is still unsure of West Brom’s quality and has predicted that the Baggies’ “mixed start” to the season will continue with a score draw against Middlesbrough.
Albion are 13th in the Championship with a goal difference of zero after losing one, drawing one and winning one of their opening three matches, most recently drawing 1-1 at Leeds United.
Next up is a home match against Middlesbrough on Saturday [16 August], with Michael Carrick’s men surprisingly finding themselves in the bottom three at this early stage with just a point to their name.
Providing a prediction for the game in his Sky Sports column on Thursday [24 August], Prutton said: “A thoroughly mixed start to the campaign for West Brom.
“Four points from three games, five goals scored and five conceded. I said last week it is hard to know their exact level at this stage, and their result at Leeds hasn’t gone much further to help me there!
“Middlesbrough got their first point of the season last week against Huddersfield, but coming from behind to draw against the Terriers doesn’t strike me as the result of a side really in shape to challenge. Reinforcements are needed. Score draw here.”
Mixed start
After losing 2-1 at Blackburn Rovers on the opening weekend of the season, Albion have responded well with a 3-2 win against Swansea City – in a game they led by three goals at one point – and a draw at Elland Road.
Carlos Corberan’s side were second best against Leeds and took the lead against the run of play through a rather dubious goal, but that was a welcome slice of fortune.
Pretty much as expected prior to the campaign, it is still difficult to work out exactly where Albion will find themselves this season.
Three points against Boro this weekend would propel them into play-off contention at this still admittedly very early stage of the campaign, while defeat would leave them looking over their shoulder at the relegation zone.
It is far too early to judge a side, of course, and for now Corberan’s men just simply need to focus on getting as many points on the board before the games start coming thick and fast.
In other West Brom news, Albion have confirmed the arrival of another new signing.