West Bromwich Albion vs. Fulham – EPL, January 30, 2021

Both these clubs will regard this game on Saturday as a must-win. But the fact is that neither side would climb out of the bottom three, even if it did claim the three points on offer.

A victory would be very useful to West Brom or Fulham, as they attempt to turn around their seasons, however.

I thought BetOnline might slip up a little here and offer a more attractive price for Fulham to win just its second game of the season. But the bookmaker has obviously noticed an improvement in the London club’s play that hasn’t quite materialized into results quite yet. The odds for a home win now look a little more tempting in comparison.

Sam Allardyce possibly showed how he was thinking when he brought off striker Callum Robinson at halftime of the game against Manchester City – and put on a defender in an attempt to halt the deluge of goals. It worked in the sense that there were not four more scored in the second period, I suppose.

But his West Brom team was soundly beaten by an admittedly good Manchester City side. It was the third very heavy home defeat the Baggies have experienced in under a month, though – and Big Sam’s famous record of never being relegated is beginning to look under threat.

Fulham is still expected to join West Brom in returning to the Championship at the end of the season, but Scott Parker will feel that some momentum might be gained from winning at The Hawthorns on Saturday. There has been a marked improvement in the last few months, and the club is probably overdue another victory.

There have been six draws in the last eight EPL games, so that would suggest that Fulham just can’t seal the deal when it comes down to it. A limited West Brom would seem to be the best chance the Cottagers have had of ending that cycle and picking up what could be a vital three points.

The odds for an away win might not be all that great for a club that has rarely tasted victory this season. But, of the two clubs on show on Saturday, it is definitely West Brom that looks to be in deeper trouble. Fulham could stretch to five points ahead of West Brom with a win. With Sheffield United starting to improve, that should spell danger for the home side this weekend.