Hull City are our opponents on Saturday as The Baggies are back in action again after a 1-1 draw over promotion rivals Burnley the other evening.
Hull City we face as the final 9 games approaches as we sit 5th in the Championship and are two points ahead 7th placed Bristol City. I say this is going to be a tense end to the season as we are pushing hard to get into the play-offs for a second successive season.
Last time out West Brom earnt a 1-1 draw over Burnley on Tuesday evening with a John Swift free-kick that secured an important point to one of the strongest teams in the league meanwhile Hull City beat Oxford United 2-1.
It’s home advantage on Saturday at The Hawthorns but I think this is certainly a game we should tend to win and we did beat them in the reserve fixture away back in November as it was our last win on the road this season.
Player To Watch – Hull City
Joe Gelhardt, currently on loan at Hull City from Leeds United, is a player to watch in Saturday’s match. Since joining on loan from Leeds, Gelhardt has made a notable impact, scoring two goals in nine appearances.
Gelhardt who is seeking more regular first-team action, Gelhardt moved to Hull City on loan. He made an immediate impact by scoring on his full debut against Queens Park Rangers.
Known for his dribbling skills, power, and build-up play, Gelhardt has drawn comparisons to Wayne Rooney. His versatility allows him to play as a striker, second striker, wide forward, or attacking midfielder, making him a valuable asset for Hull City.
As most opposition strikers who normally like to score past us like Zian Flemming the other night, I wouldn’t be surprised if he scores past us on Saturday and he is the player we should be watching at The Hawthorns.
Player To Watch – West Brom
Ousmane Diakité is a player to watch against Hull City because of his strength in midfield and his ability to control the tempo of the game. His defensive awareness and tough tackling make him a crucial shield in front of West Brom’s backline, especially against a Hull side that will look to attack through the likes of Joe Gelhardt.
Diakité not only wins the ball back effectively but also transitions play quickly, setting up counter-attacks with his passing range. His physicality makes him a dominant force in aerial duels, both in defense and on set-pieces.
West Brom fans have already taken to him, and his chant—set to the tune of September by Earth, Wind & Fire—captures his reputation: “Diakité he dances like a Bambi, he never gives the ball away!” If he continues his solid form, he could be the key to breaking down Hull’s attack and driving West Brom forward.
Line Up V Hull City
I be putting Josh Griffiths in goal after Joe Wildsmith’s mistake cost us a win over Burnley, in the back I have three with Heggem, Bartley and Diakite with Callum Styles and Gianluca Frabotta in wing-backs. In midfield I have a pairing of Jayson Molumby and Isaac Price and in attack I have Adam Armstrong as lone striker with Mikey Johnston and Tom Fellows just behind him.
Prediction V Hull City
Prediction for this game over Hull City, last time out I said we beat Burnley 2-1 and that ended as a draw. For this encounter, I think in the first 10 minutes we break the deadlock with Tom Fellows making an assist to allow Adam Armstrong to get his third goal for the Baggies to put us 1-0 up.
Throughout the half it be quiet and in the last 5 minutes of the half I can see Hull City getting one back with Joe Gelhardt tapping one in to put the scores level at the break.
Second half , Hull would try and get into the lead but an Albion counter attack would allow Frabotta to play it to Tom Fellows to take on 2 Hull defenders and smash one in by putting us back into the lead. It all be quiet throughout the second half and Daryl Dike would try and get onto the scoresheet near the end but it would end 2-1 to the Baggies again for this prediciton.
Prediction: West Brom 2-1 Hull City
Goalscorers for West Brom: Adam Armstrong, Tom Fellows
Goalscorers for Hull City: Joe Gelhardt
I’m going for another win on Saturday and I can see it happening and that would put us clear in the play-off positions and with 9 games to go we have a easy run than most of the teams who are chasing for the top six where we now only have Sunderland and Coventry to play in that run. I do think Norwich away would be a difficult game for us but I think we have what it takes to stay unbeaten for the rest of the season as we have been for the last 5 games by winning 2 and drawing 3 and was unlucky to lose to Blackburn before this run.
Lets see what happens and hopefully get another three points on the table.