Roy Hodgson has today been unveiled as the new West Brom gaffer. This comes after popular boss Roberto Di Matteo lost was ousted earlier in the week. Although Michael Appleton has been placed in temporary control as caretaker manager and will oversee tomorrow’s clash with West Ham, Hodgson’s appointment will surely be greeted as a positive move and it’s effect on supporters and players could impact on the Baggies Gameweek prospects.
Hodgson’s new side have been in terrible form as of late, losing 7 of their last 9 Premier League games, after flying high during the first half of the season. Three Carlos Tevez goals last weekend have left the Baggies sitting just above the relegation zone by goal difference. The board clearly felt that removing Di Matteo from his role was the only possible way of staving off relegation.
The players will surely want to prove their worth to the new manager and a pivotal Fantasy Premier League Gameweek, that sees two home clashes against fellow relegation strugglers West Ham and Wolves, appears to present a perfect platform for improvement.
The Prospects
If West Brom are to forge any hopes of survival then these two fixtures are absolutely imperative. Clinch two victories and the gap is widened between themselves and the relegation zone. But if they find themselves without any points come February 20, they really will be in the thick of it. “Crucial” is the word rattling around the Hawthorns
West Brom will be grateful that these fixtures are on home turf as their home record is far stronger than their form on the road. The Baggies have picked up 18 of their 26 Premier League points at The Hawthorns. Eighteen goals have been scored and 19 conceded in front of a West Bromwich faithful; they will be hoping they can better that return over these games.
First opponents West Ham have performed fairly well on their recent travels, with a convincing 3-1 victory over Blackpool and a hard-fought 2-2 draw away against Everton. Avram Grant’s side have won 2 and drawn 5 games on the road, losing 6. They have also conceded a hefty 25 goals outside of Upton Park, so West Brom should certainly fancy their chances of boosting their goal tally.
Wolves meanwhile, have a woeful away record and the Baggies should profit here. Mick McCarthy’s men have managed just a single win and a draw away from home this season. But, having successfully picked the lock to Manchester United’s previously unbeatable record, they will surely be in high spirits.
The Likely Lads
One of the only positives to come out of West Brom’s abysmal season is the form of striker Peter Odemwingie. Relatively unknown prior to his transfer in the summer, the Nigerian international has excelled himself, performing above all expectations. Odemwingie has delivered an FPL return of 93 points, including 3 goals in his last 4 matches. Selection in tonight’s Scout Picks was always on the cards and he will carry a good few Fantasy hopes going into the weekend.
In midfield Chris Brunt stands out as the best prospect. The playmaker boasts an impressive array of (see the Members’ Area) and his role and influence is very much akin to that of Charlie Adam at Blackpool – most of the productive stuff goes through Brunt and his delivery at set-pieces is a major threat . Indeed, the Irishman is an excellent provider, assisting on 10 occasions this season. Though form is not on his, or West Brom’s, side as of late and Brunt has failed to notch an assist since the beginning of December.
Elsewhere West Brom really do offer slim pickings. Priced at just 4.5 on the FPL game and having picked-up 73 points this season, midfielder Jerome Thomas could be worth a shot. He has shown decent form but is likely to lose out to Brunt as an investment – unless a big differential is required.
Having conceded 48 goals and keeping 1 clean sheet so far this term, West Brom’s defence is best avoided. Although priced at 4.0, Gonzalo Jara does offer a value option and has threatened to contribute more in the final third. His Scout Pick selection tonight is a surprise, but given the clean sheet options available elsewhere, he forces his way into consideration.
Cheeky Punt
With an ownership of 0.4% and a price of 4.4, James Morrison could be worth a look if your budget is tight. The Scotland international has found the back of the net on 2 of his last 6 Premier League outings for the Baggies. His Members Stats are also fairly favourable and indicate that, in terms of efforts on goal, he can be a major threat to opponents.
Paddy Says…
Peter Odemwingie to score 3 or more goals in the Gameweek 7/1 (8.00)
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