27-02-2020, 15:15
February has been so kind to us that it's almost a shame to leave it behind. Starting on the first day of the month when we ended our dreadful midwinter run with a victory against Luton, we've managed a six-game unbeaten run in four weeks, with every one a win except the Forest match when we were cruelly denied. Still, we can tip our hats to the Gregorian calendar for sneaking in one cheeky extra February day this year - and a Saturday to boot - which allows us to round off our mensis mirabilis by welcoming Wigan to the Hawthorns.
Funnily enough, February has been kind to the Latics too. They've lost only once in four weeks, notching up four wins and two draws in the meantime - Leeds being the prize scalp amongst them - transforming themselves in the process from relegation certs into candidates for survival. Welsh forward Kieffer Moore has been a key part of this revival (if anyone hasn't yet seen his goal from a backheeled volley against Reading on Wednesday night, do Google it) and as a form striker, he'll be one to watch. It's been a long time now since Wigan's first-ever trip to the Hawthorns in 1984, and they've often been a tough nut to crack. Having given us a real game at their place in November, and with everything to play for here, this could prove a sterner test than many expect, and certainly no time for complacency from Albion.
At the risk of looking foolish come May, I don't think the 3rd placed team in this year's Championship will do much better than 82 or 83 points. If that's the case, we're within four wins and a couple of draws of sealing our place in next year's Premier League. Let's finish off February in style and bring that finish line into view.
"I would rather spend a holiday in Tuscany than in the Black Country, but if I were compelled to choose between living in West Bromwich or Florence, I should make straight for West Bromwich." - J.B. Priestley