Alan Brazil shares what Troy Deeney predicts for West Brom in play-off battle
Alan Brazil has shared that Troy Deeney fancies West Brom to be promoted to the Premier League via the play-offs.
The Baggies host Preston on Saturday (4 May) knowing that a point will likely be enough to finally secure a top-six spot having hit a bit of a blip in recent weeks.
West Brom have lost their last three Championship matches to throw their top-six place into doubt on the final day of the regular season, but Carlos Corberan’s men have a much better goal difference than Hull City who are two points adrift in seventh.
Brazil, speaking on talkSPORT on Thursday (2 May, 9:55am), said his fellow host Deeney – a former Watford and Birmingham striker – thinks the Baggies can do the job in the play-offs.
“Troy Deeney said he fancies West Brom,” he said. “They’re very good defensively.”
Will West Brom secure their play-off place?
Despite their form tailing off of late, Albion will be confident they still have enough in the tank to get over the line and book their spot in the play-offs.
The Baggies have spent the majority of the Championship campaign floating in fifth position, but have since been caught by Norwich City.
Norwich and West Brom remain in pole position, with Hull City sniffing around for any slip-ups from Corberan’s team against Preston at the weekend.
One thing Albion do have on their side is their defensive record. A clean sheet on Saturday is likely to be the deciding factor in securing their spot, with an 11-goal margin separating the two on goal difference.
Pressure is another key factor. Hull must win and, as outsiders, will approach their visit to Plymouth Argyle with nothing to lose. However, Argyle are seeking survival themselves and will give the Tigers an exceptional battle.
This fearless mentality may also benefit the Baggies should they finish the season in sixth. The lack of expectation on their shoulders to complete a Premier League return as opposed to a Leeds or Southampton side may work in their favour.
In other West Brom news, Josh Maha must be thrust into the action from the start against Preston.
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