“It’s been an unfortunate fall from grace.” - West Brom Preview
Brady Frost, Feature Writer
Twitter: @brady0894
Source for image above: HTAFC
Promotion, pressure and Matheus Pereira. Ben Roberts, from West Brom fansite, WBA Report previews today’s game.
By this time next week, the season will be over. The question is, will Town fans be able to breathe a sigh of relief and look forward to another season in the Championship, or will it be back-to-back relegations?
Millwall and today’s opponents, West Brom, are the two teams that can have a say in what division Huddersfield will be in next season. With both of Town’s opponents still having promotion and playoff hopes on the line, it doesn’t look like it will be an easy task.
West Brom visit the John Smith’s Stadium desperate to clinch three points in a bid to boost their automatic promotion hopes, while Huddersfield need points to secure their safety. With a lot riding on this match for both teams, we spoke to Ben Roberts, from West Brom fansite, WBA Report to get the inside track on The Baggies.
West Brom manager Slaven Bilić has said Huddersfield will be difficult to beat because of what is at stake for both teams. Photo source: West Brom
What have you made of West Brom’s performances since football restarted?
We’ve been inconsistent since the restart, registering the same amount of draws as wins (three) and losing to Brentford – which is coming back to haunt us now.
Do you think you’ll clinch automatic promotion still?
I have faith, yes. Our last two games are Huddersfield (away) and QPR (home). These are two relatively weak sides and, on paper, we should be beating them. But with the current pressure on the players mentally, it may be harder than we think.
How would you rate West Brom’s season so far?
Very good. We’ve been in the top two since October and deserve to be promoted. Our results have been inconsistent as of late but throughout the season Albion have been by far one of the best sides in the division.
Matheus Pereira is ‘Premier League quality’ according to Ben Roberts from WBA Report. Photo source: West Brom
What did you think of Huddersfield when they played against West Brom earlier this season?
Well, we won that game 4-2 but I remember it was more difficult than the scoreline suggests. We were 2-1 down at half-time but miraculously turned the game on its head. I think if Huddersfield were solid defensively, they could have easily seen the game out given the way we were playing. But luck favours the brave and we carried out risky counter-attacks and created chances, and thankfully it paid off.
What have been West Brom’s weaknesses, is there anything Huddersfield can take advantage of?
Quick passing play in the midfield tends to lead to our downfall. Sides that can quickly switch from their own half to our defensive third through quick passing often catch out the likes of Sawyers and Livermore – both of whom lack the pace to regain control easily. We lack agility in that area of the pitch.
What have you made of Slaven Bilić this season?
He’s been a revelation for the Baggies, completely changing the footballing philosophy at the club from the dreary, overly defensive tactics of Tony Pulis and Alan Pardew, to his own attacking and entertaining style of play. It’s finally a joy to watch the Albion because you know that the players will give it their all when playing for a manager as accomplished as Bilic. He’s the best manager we could have brought in, as far as I’m concerned.
West Brom academy graduate Dara O’Shea has performed well for The Baggies this season. Photo source: West Brom
Who has been the standout performer this season?
Without a shadow of a doubt: Matheus Pereira. Eight goals and 20 assists this season – he’s Premier League quality, which is why he finds the Championship such a breeze. By far the best midfielder in the league, possibly even the best player, too.
Which players have performed well but gone under the radar to other clubs in the league?
Dara O’Shea springs to mind. The academy graduate who has played at right-back as of late, but can also operate as a central defender. He’s 21 years old now and has a very bright future ahead of him. He’s stepped into the gap left by Nathan Ferguson – who was definitely a standout performer in the first half of the season – and has performed just as well, some might say even better.
Is there anything Huddersfield need to be on the lookout for in this game?
Not our strikers, that’s for sure – they couldn’t hit a barn door at the moment. We rely heavily on our attacking midfielders (Krovinovic, Pereira, Grosicki) to ripple the net, so Huddersfield’s attention should be on those players.
Huddersfield boss Danny Cowley has said tonight’s game is “a game we’re going to embrace, and we’re going to try and find a way to get on the right side of it.” Photo source: HTAFC
What do you think of Huddersfield so far this season?
I think they’ve had it rough. Huddersfield play well in the games I’ve either watched briefly when live or via highlights, but the scoreline never reflects it. The defence is still as questionable as it was when we faced them the first time around, so I’m hoping we can exploit that on Friday. Hopefully, Huddersfield stay up though, as it’s been an unfortunate fall from grace for them in recent years.
What’s your score prediction for the game?
I think the Baggies will win 2-0.
How do you think Huddersfield will get on against West Brom? Let us know in the comments!
