Chance for sidelined West Brom players to stake a claim
Sam Allardyce says he may give one or two players an opportunity to impress him in Albion’s final three games of the campaign.
The Baggies saw their relegation to the Championship confirmed on Sunday when they were beaten at Arsenal – but they still have three matches left to play this season.
Allardyce is due to hold talks with the club today regarding his long-term future at the club, with his contract including a break-clause that either he or the club can active next month.
It is expected the 66-year-old will take charge of the Baggies in the second tier.
And he may have an eye on the future in Albion’s remaining three games.
High-profile players including Karlan Grant, Grady Diangana, Jake Livermore and Romaine Sawyers have all struggled for minutes under the Dudley-born chief.
But while Allardyce won’t tinker too much over the next three games, he may look at some players who he admits are desperate to get an opportunity. “It will be based on what they show me in training,” the boss said when asked if he will make changes for Albion’s three remaining games.
“We want to pick the team that has the best opportunity to win against Liverpool, West Ham and Leeds.
“I am going to pick the best team – but I will keep in mind there are some players who are desperate to get a chance.
“But it is likely to only be one or two maximum because I’m not just going to throw caution to the wind.
“I want to go out and perform to our highest level.
“I think we have performed at a very consistent level over the last two or three months.
“The frustrating thing is that we haven’t converted those consistent performances into enough wins.
“But we have been consistent so I’m not struck on changing the team too much.”
