West Bromwich Albion currently sits confidently within the playoff zone of the Championship table, holding the 6th position. The Baggies are vying for promotion to the Premier League alongside teams like Burnley, Sunderland, and Coventry City. Recent matches have proved to be challenging; during their last outing at home against Hull City on March 15, the game ended in a hard-fought 1-1 draw.
West Brom's goal came from Isaac Price, who scored to put his team ahead, but the jubilance was short-lived as Hull City’s Abu Kamara managed to equalize shortly thereafter. The match showcased the resilience of West Brom's squad, with manager Tony Mowbray expressing his mixed feelings post-game. "There were spells where we were good, and things we still need to get improved at," Mowbray stated, reflecting on the need for improvement moving forward.
The Baggies are approaching the final stretch of the season with only eight fixtures left to play. Mowbray's appointment earlier this winter marked a new chapter for the club after Carlos Corberan's departure to Valencia, signaling hopes of revitalization and pressing for playoff success.
The team’s recent form has included this draw at home, which Mowbray described as disappointing. "We’re left a bit flat and disappointed, obviously, and dropping two points at home is not what we needed," he lamented. Despite the setback, they are still holding on tightly to their playoff aspirations, as they prepare to tackle their next opponent, Norwich City, away at Carrow Road.
Throughout the season, one player has particularly stood out—goalkeeper Joe Wildsmith. He was instrumental during the match against Hull City, making several strong saves late in the game to help secure the point. This performance came after facing criticism for mistakes made during the previous match at Burnley. Mowbray has publicly backed Wildsmith, stating, "There have been games where he hasn't had save to make which is why when he did have a save to make and spilled it, a bit of criticism came his way.” Wildsmith has managed to achieve two clean sheets over the eight games he has been the main starter and has performed admirably at key moments.
Wildsmith was signed as a free agent from Derby County and became the team’s first-choice goalkeeper when Alex Palmer made his move to Ipswich Town for up to £5 million. Mowbray's faith in Wildsmith seems to be paying off as the player’s development has matured remarkably during the current season.
Beyond club responsibilities, excitement is building for the international break where four senior players from West Brom will don their national colors. Grady Diangana and Torbjørn Heggem will be competing for their respective countries with hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Diangana's DR Congo is set to face South Sudan at home and Mauritania away on March 21 and 25, respectively. Currently, the DR Congo is positioned third in their group, trailing leaders Sudan by three points.
Norway’s Heggem will also be on international duty, opening their qualifying campaign with clashes against Moldova and Israel on March 22 and March 25. Meanwhile, Mikey Johnston will participate for the Republic of Ireland as they prepare for their UEFA Nations League playoffs against Bulgaria, with the first leg taking place on March 20 and the return leg at home on March 23. January signing Isaac Price is set to represent Northern Ireland against Switzerland and Sweden during friendly matches scheduled for the same March dates.
These international fixtures create added excitement for the Baggies, as they showcase the depth of talent within the squad. Each player has shown commitment and skill over recent weeks, helping maintain West Brom's place as contenders for promotion.
Promotion to the Premier League would be significant for West Brom, not just competitively but financially as well. A successful playoff could yield income ranging from £135 million to £265 million, according to estimates by Deloitte. Such figures underline the importance of the club's endeavor to secure their place at the top level.
With eight fixtures remaining and the championship play-off looming, the pressure is mounting for West Brom. Mowbray remains determined, emphasizing, "We need to start trying to create a bit of a gap" and continuing to find ways to grind out results. This emphasis on improvement and capitalizing on every opportunity will be key for the Baggies as they navigate the remaining matches of this championship season.
