David Prutton predicts West Brom v Preston North End scoreline, shares final top-six forecast
David Prutton has boldly claimed that West Bromwich Albion will miss out on the Championship play-offs this weekend.
The former midfielder has cited Albion’s poor form leading into Saturday’s season finale as reason for hometown club Hull City to sneak into the top six, behind Norwich City in fifth.
West Brom host Preston North End at the Hawthorns as they look to put an end to a run of three straight defeats.
“What is it, three defeats on the bounce, one win in seven? It’s a tricky one against Preston,” Prutton stated on the Sky Sports Championship Prediction Podcast.
“Preston want to finish strongly – they’re not happy at all about being turned over in their last home game.
“For West Brom, it’s been a tense week and they’ll want this game over and done with.
“I think there’s a sting in the tail here. Preston can’t go limping into the close season because that stench can linger. I’m going to say Preston to win 1-0.”
Potential play-off drama in the Championship
I was with Sunderland last season when they snuck into the play-offs on the final day – ironically against Preston. On 69 points, they managed it and things changed so quickly on the day.
The idea that West Brom have taken their foot off the gas at the wrong time is hard to ignore, and Carlos Corberan will be far from happy with what he has witnessed in recent weeks.
Prutton may be right, but I can’t shake the feeling that Hull facing a desperate Plymouth Argyle team will work in West Brom’s favour.
The positive goal difference margin means a draw is set to be enough to stagger them over the line.
From there, attention switches from a long, arduous season to a quickfire, all-or-nothing play-off campaign.
In other West Brom news, the Baggies are likely to sign a young Everton prospect.
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