Following the heartbreaking defeat in a 'must win' game against Reading last weekend, Blues fans will be wondering if the points tally for this season has climbed as high as it's going to go.
But on we trudge to the next game, a trip to The Hawthorns to face a side who currently sit 20 places and 39 points ahead of us. They come into the game following a 4:0 battering at Leeds United and a 1:0 home loss to Sheffield United.
It's a new ground for me, which is the main reason I'm dragging myself off to a match that I fully expect us to lose, but am trying to cling on to some slim delusion of hope.
I asked Ipswich based Baggies fan Nikki for her thoughts ahead of the game:
You live in Ipswich but support West Brom - how did that come about?
Euro 2004 summer in Tenerife, Linekers Bar. Got talking to a group of lads who were in Town shirts, we had just signed Tommy Gaardsøe from you so it was an ice breaker.
A holiday romance blossomed and six months later I moved to Suffolk. Although the relationship broke down my daughter was born and I've remained in Suffolk for her.
Do you get to see West Brom play very often?
I try to get to as many games as I can but my weekend job only allows me to have certain weekends free!
I was at Carrow Road for the 3-4 win and I was at Portman Road in November. I try and do as many of the "local" games as I can.
West Brom come into the game against Ipswich on the back of two defeats to two teams that are flying high this season, playing Ipswich must look easy by comparison?
The Leeds and Sheffield United games were a hard watch.
Both teams did their jobs: Sheffield United were organised, defended well and cut down anything we tried to create.
As for the Leeds game - I genuinely don't think I have any words for that one. It's gone and it's on to the next one.
I certainly won't be taking the game against Town lightly. Our home form isn't great and it's going to be hard coming into the game off two straight losses.
How has the rest of the season been for you guys so far?
Can certainly say it's been a real mix, we started the season absolutely flying.
I know they say one player doesn't make a team but I genuinely feel that the loss of Harvey Barnes has had a massive impact on us. He was certainly one of the first names on the team sheet!
What are you hoping for the end of the season? Where do you expect to finish?
Realistically I think our automatic chances have gone. I think the most we can hope for is a play-off place.
When I think of West Brom, I always think of them as a Premier League side. How has the Championship been for you, harder than some were expecting?
Thank you!
Relegation was always going to be tough, especially financially.
That aside, I find the Championship more exciting! The results this season have been so unpredicatble with everyone beating everyone.
That's what I always say, although it's not been so easy fo Ipswich to beat anyone! As someone who lives in Ipswich but supports a different side, how are you viewing our season?
Where do I start, I don't think I've ever known a club to go through so much in one season.
The loss of players through injury, Freddie Sears and Grant Ward both being sidelined with their ACL (along with some other long term injuries), and a change in manager.
I think the addition of Alan Judge and Will Keane is a good little duo!
Everyone can see what Mr Lambert is bringing to the changing room at Portman Road and I genuinely believe he is and will turn it around, they just need that rub of the green.
What can we expect on Saturday, players to keep an eye out for? What are West Brom's strengths/weaknesses?
Dwight Gayle: I have to say I wasn't entirely sure about the loan deal which saw Sol Rondon go to Newcastle in exchange for Dwight, but how I was proven wrong. He has been absolutely immense for us, and on their day he and Jay Rod can tear any defence apart.
Our weakness at the minute, I think, is our formation. We have been playing 4-3-3 with Dwight Gayle on the wing and, for me, this just doesn't work!
And how about off the pitch? This is a new ground for me, what's it like? Any recommendations for pubs to go to before the game?
The Vine Pub (Postcode: B70 6RD), located a short 15 minute walk away from The Hawthorns is very popular for home and away fans, serves the best curry!
Finally, can I have a score prediction?
I really want to sit on the fence on this one but I won't! I'm going 3-1 WBA.
Thanks ever so much for taking part Nikki. Enjoy the game, but hopefully not too much!
1 comment:
Thank you for asking me to contribute Amy!
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