Match Preview
West Bromwich Albion vrs Fulham
Championship Match Day 37 2122 at The Hawthorns
Tuesday 15th March 2022 KO: 20:00pm
Referee:
Matt Donohue (Manchester)
Live on Sky
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Championship Leaders Fulham will make the trip to West Bromwich Albion on Tuesday evening looking to reach the 80-point mark in the Championship standings, moving them closer to promotion back to the Premier League.
Sitting seven points adrift of the playoffs having played a game more, West Brom head into this fixture realistically needing to avoid defeat to build some momentum ahead of the run-in.
In isolation, a 1-1 draw at lowly Barnsley does not look a good result for a team chasing promotion, but Marco Silva would have been relieved to see his Fulham side battle back at Oakwell.
Barnsley were fortunate to go ahead through a penalty courtesy of a foul in the build-up, and it was left to Harry Wilson to produce a moment of brilliance during the closing stages to earn a share of the spoils.
While Wilson should have headed home a winner after that equaliser, Silva will eventually see the result as another point gained, particularly with third, fourth and fifth place all failing to take advantage.
With Huddersfield Town only able to amass 90 points, Fulham require just 14 points from 10 matches to secure a return to the top flight, although they will remain with one eye on second-placed Bournemouth who trail by 12 points with two matches in hand.
The meeting with West Brom represents their last fixture until April 2, and it represents an opportunity to enter the extended break by reaching 80 points, heaping more pressure on the chasing pack.
From West Brom's perspective, they would have preferred an easier fixture than playing host to the standout team in the division, but Steve Bruce knows that it cannot be used as an excuse when it comes to gaining a result.
Four points have been collected from matches with Hull City and Huddersfield Town, the draw with the latter coming courtesy of two late goals to fight back from 2-0 adrift.
Although Bruce would have been less than impressed with the goals that they conceded, he would have been equally delighted to see Andy Carroll finally end his wait for a goal in a Baggies shirt.
Now down in 14th spot, the playoffs look unlikely for West Brom, but if they can post a minimum 24 points from their remaining 10 fixtures, there remains a small possibility of avoiding a second campaign outside of the Premier League.
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