As per the analysis conducted by the Opta Analyst supercomputer, West Brom is poised to secure a place in the Championship playoff positions after their victory over Norwich City. The supercomputer, in its latest promotion prediction released on December 27th, indicates the likely outcomes for the rest of the season based on the Boxing Day Championship fixtures.
Following a commendable three-point performance against a ten-man Norwich side, thanks to Borja Sainz’s early red card on December 26th, West Brom’s prospects for a top-six finish have received a significant boost. According to the supercomputer, Carlos Corberan’s team is projected to finish in the automatic promotion spots in a mere 1.1 percent of season simulations. However, they maintain a solid presence in the playoff positions in 62.8 percent of the simulations.
𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 📈
We're over halfway through the Championship season, so it's an ideal time to check in on the Opta supercomputer predictions.
💪 Leeds or Southampton to catch Ipswich?
❓ Who'll make the top 6?
⬇️ Which teams will be relegated?— Opta Analyst (@OptaAnalyst) December 27, 2023
While the current top four teams in the Championship have a probability exceeding 90 percent of finishing in the playoff spots, West Brom emerges as the leading contender outside of this group. Their likelihood of securing a top-six finish surpasses the next best team, Coventry City, by 25.9 percent.
Throughout the season, automatic promotion has seemed like a distant aspiration for West Brom supporters, given Leicester City and Ipswich Town’s early dominance in the Championship. Nonetheless, Corberan’s squad now appears to have a genuine opportunity to clinch a playoff spot, potentially paving the way for an unexpected return to the Premier League.
The primary challenge facing the Baggies is the potential lack of depth in their squad. A couple of significant injuries could jeopardize their 62.8 percent chance of making the playoffs, potentially dashing their hopes of promotion. The key will be avoiding such injuries, and if West Brom can maintain their current form, they stand a good chance of aligning with the supercomputer’s predictions. Regardless of the outcome, the second half of the campaign promises to be an exhilarating period for West Brom.