I can't say that Tony Pulis has many fans, yet what he has achieved of late at WBA is pretty fantastic. Supporters always want a team to play with flare and creativity and perhaps Tony's sides have edged towards the defensive merits of the game first, but I don't think you can say that about the Baggies anymore.
What has changed then? I'd say the signing of Matt Philipps has made a big difference as he has added finishing quality to their midfield. There have been other good signings too like Jake Livermore, but much of the side has been with Pulis for a while. It just may be that it has taken Pulis a while to get the team playing in a more positive fashion and to get the best out of Solomon Rondon. Now that Berahino is out of the club, there is every need for Pulis to get the best out of the strikers he has got.
It is a bit unfortunate for the Albion that they did not get further additions in the January window to make an even bigger assault on the top places in the league. Still Pulis has done exceptionally well, and the team that AFCB will play will have far more confidence that the side which was narrowly defeated by the Cherries earlier n the season. Ben Foster has also been strong for them in goal and when you are not conceding you always have a chance in games.
The Baggies' home form has been strong in recent games and you have to go back to 17 December when they played Man Utd at home to see them fail to score at the Hawthorns. Some of the wins have come against bottom sides in Hull and Sunderland, but that is an even bigger plus point in my book as these sides are giving it everything to try and get out of trouble. Pulis will be looking forward to playing AFCB and even a draw at WBA is hard to come by these days.
WBA Home Form
LWWWD
AFCB Away Form
LWLLL
Probable AFCB line up
Boruc (GK), A Smith (RB), S Cook (CD), Mings (CD), Daniels (LB),
Ibe (RM), Gosling (CM), Surman (CM), Fraser (LM), King (FW), Afobe (FW)
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| WBA are chasing Everton in seventh. |
It is a bit unfortunate for the Albion that they did not get further additions in the January window to make an even bigger assault on the top places in the league. Still Pulis has done exceptionally well, and the team that AFCB will play will have far more confidence that the side which was narrowly defeated by the Cherries earlier n the season. Ben Foster has also been strong for them in goal and when you are not conceding you always have a chance in games.
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The Baggies' home form has been strong in recent games and you have to go back to 17 December when they played Man Utd at home to see them fail to score at the Hawthorns. Some of the wins have come against bottom sides in Hull and Sunderland, but that is an even bigger plus point in my book as these sides are giving it everything to try and get out of trouble. Pulis will be looking forward to playing AFCB and even a draw at WBA is hard to come by these days.
WBA Home Form
LWWWD
AFCB Away Form
LWLLL
Probable AFCB line up
Boruc (GK), A Smith (RB), S Cook (CD), Mings (CD), Daniels (LB),
Ibe (RM), Gosling (CM), Surman (CM), Fraser (LM), King (FW), Afobe (FW)
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