In their bid to return to the Premier League under the management of Steve Bruce, West Bromwich Albion have experienced a worryingly slow start to the Championship season, amassing just 10 points in 10 games and only putting one win on the board.
That one victory came at home to Hull City in August, but the Baggies were unable to build a winning run from then, only being able to draw in each of the following contests with Huddersfield Town, Wigan Athletic and Burnley.
Bruce’s men were then handed a second league defeat of the season, falling short against rivals Birmingham City as a late Brandon Thomas-Asante penalty was not enough to spark a turnaround after a Scott Hogan hat-trick had put their visitors 3-1 up.
In their final outing before the break, the Midlands outfit travelled to take on Norwich City, and they were at least able to leave with a commendable point after Dara O’Shea’s opener was cancelled out by Sam Byram, although other results still saw them drop to 21st spot with the Baggies only leading Middlesbrough on goal difference.
With scrutiny undoubtedly on Bruce’s position, he will be desperate to see his side score just a second league win of the campaign to jump back above their opponents.
Swansea City also experienced a concerning start to the league season, as defeats to Luton Town and Middlesbrough and a draw with Stoke City left them on just six points from seven Championship outings.
Russell Martin’s side were then able to make an important return to winning ways against Queens Park Rangers, as Joel Piroe hit the only goal of the game to somewhat improve their position at
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the bottom end of the table, before they were the victims of a late winner as Reda Khadra snatched all three points for Sheffield United with a 94th-minute finish in south Wales.
Hoping to bounce back from that disappointment, the Swans took on Hull City prior to the international break, and after the game remained goalless until the hour mark, they took control in impressive fashion with Ryan Manning, Luke Cundleand Piroe getting on the scoresheet in an eventual 3-0 win.
While the pause in domestic action may have stopped Swansea quickly building momentum on the back of that improved performance, they have managed to rise to 16th spot and will aim to put a second straight three-point haul on the board to continue their climb up the division.
