Andy Hinchcliffe makes West Brom promotion prediction before clash v Ipswich Town
Sky Sports pundit Andy Hinchliffe expects West Brom and Ipswich to both be in the mix for promotion at the end of the season.
The Baggies face off with the Tractor Boys on Saturday evening at The Hawthorns with teams sitting in sixth and second place respectively in the Championship.
And when previewing the game live on Sky Sports Soccer Saturday (25 November, 16:01), Hinchcliffe admitted that Corberan’s home form has got West Brom in the mix for a place in the Premier League.
“I think in a nutshell we’re looking at West Brom’s really strong defence, especially at home, can they keep out the Championship’s top scorers?” he said.
“Carlos Corberan has been at West Brom for just over a year now and The Hawthorns is a fortress. Teams find it very difficult to come here, score goals and win.
“But Ipswich, 36 goals this season, 14 different scorers as well so they spread the threat around the pitch. It’s going to be a real test for both teams whether Ipswich can break down West Brom.
“But I agree, I think both teams will be in the promotion mix come the end of the season.”
Tough
This is going to be a really difficult game because Ipswich have been in sensational form all season, but it’s important to remember this won’t be the be-all and end-all.
There is a long time to go in this season and it’s easy to forget just how many injury problems we have got right now.
Corberan has been competing against injuries all season, with limited striker options because of health issues plus financial problems meaning the squad was left super thin after the transfer window anyway.
But still the manager and team have performed brilliantly to be solid defensively and find ways to score goals even without a natural forward in the team more often than not.
It’ll be a tough game no doubt, but if we can stay strong at the back then we have every chance of getting a goal. A win confirms our place as promotion contenders, but defeat or a draw doesn’t spell the end of those chances.
In other West Brom news, Josh Maja and John Swift due to return to training.