Credit: Imago and YouTube

Richie Mills

Sat 18 April 2026 7:00, UK

Sam Parkin believes that West Bromwich Albion‘s players won’t get distracted by the threat of a points deduction over their alleged financial breach.

The positivity that had built up during West Brom’s seven-match unbeaten run was severely tested after reports surfaced that the Baggies could face PSR punishment.

West Brom are said to have exceeded the £41.5million loss limit for the three seasons up until 2024-25, and if they are found guilty, a three-point deduction is in the offing.

That would plunge them into the Championship relegation zone, with James Morrison‘s team currently two points above the bottom three with four games to go.

Despite all this uncertainty, which the Albion deny, former Ipswich Town striker Parkin has backed West Brom to beat Preston North End on Saturday.

West Brom’s ‘desperation’ will see off Preston

Morrison has steadied the ship at West Brom, securing creditable results against promotion-chasers Millwall, Hull City, Southampton, and more.

And while a draw against the Lions last time out inched them closer to safety, wins for Portsmouth and Oxford United have left their 20th-place position looking a bit more precarious.

Incidentally, prominent Championship content creator Benjamin Bloom stated that it would be “ludicrous” to give West Brom a points deduction at this stage of the season.

Bloom added that he would be amazed if this gets resolved this term, although reports suggest that could be the case.

Parkin conceded the timing of this was not exactly helpful, but still believes West Brom will claim all three points at Deepdale to help their cause.

He said on YouTube: “No, not ideal, but they’ll be able to park that. The lads, obviously, you may start thinking about that when your survival is assured.

“I’m going to go for West Brom to win here by a goal to nil. And I’m just going to go for the team that is in desperate need over the team that’s secure in their status for next season.”

West Brom face nervy wait

Following reports of an alleged breach, West Brom did not confirm the charge from the EFL, but did hint that something was not right.

They went on to insist that they consider themselves fully compliant with PSR and will continue to cooperate with the EFL to try to resolve the matter.

But as Parkin said, there is nothing the players can do, other than focus on delivering on the pitch. As a result, Morrison will go all out to make sure West Brom emerge victorious against Preston on Saturday.

West Brom need to claim as many points as possible just in case they are hit with a points deduction, which could even be dished out after the season ends.

It would be a horrible look if the Baggies stay up in the regular campaign, only to find out weeks later that they are returning to League One for the first time since 1991.