West Brom are faced with another ultimatum this Saturday as they take on Tottenham Hotspur at the Hawthorns Stadium.
The Baggies are placed at the bottom of the Premier League table and are almost certain of facing the drop to the second division. They have the final two games of the season to make a miraculous comeback but the chances of that happening are slim to none.
Both Alan Pardew and Tony Pulis have failed to work with the squad this campaign and quite deservedly earned themselves the axe. However, right upon Pardew’s sacking, Albion are undefeated in their last 4 games. They managed to scrape past Newcastle United in the last tie by 1 goal to nil. The St James’ Park was shocked to see another side do to them what they have been doing to other sides in the recent past.
Nothing less than a win here will do it for them as Swansea City are still 5 points ahead of them in the safety zone.
Another mammoth challenge for Darren Moore and his men as taking on a top-four side will be no cake walk. Tottenham are currently placed at the 4th spot of the points table and will be into this fixture, knowing that maximum points will boost them to the third spot of the Premier League table, ahead of Liverpool.
This might just also be a top-four confirmation match for the visitors as Chelsea currently sit 5 points behind them in the points table. What has been a deeply disappointing season in terms of gathering any form silverware could end on a warm note of simply obtaining the bragging rights over three of the country’s elites – Chelsea, Liverpool and bitter rivals, Arsenal.
The last time these two sides went up against each other was back in November where the tie ended 1-1.
Albion will have to do one better in this fixture and here is how they might line up in line with that plan in place.
Formation: 4-4-1-1
Defence
Ben Foster to start in between the sticks. The defensive quartet might get filled by Allan Nyom, Craig Dawson, Ahmed Hegazi and Kieran Gibbs.
Midfield
Jack Livermore and Chris Brunt are to take on the central midfield roles with Matt Phillips and James McClean on the flans.
Attack
Jay Rodriguez will look to continue his run of form with a strong showing from the shadow striker position. Salomon Rodriguez is to take charge of the centre-forward role.
