Charlie Austin makes West Brom prediction he 'can't believe' he's saying | OneFootball

Charlie Austin believes that West Brom could benefit from the new play-off format as they aim for promotion under James Morrison.

Charlie Austin believes his former club West Brom can benefit from the new play-off format, as he suggests there’s no reason why they can’t go for promotion this season.

For the first time in Championship history, the top eight will have a chance of promotion this season, with the system designed to make games more interesting towards the end of the season.

As a consequence, more clubs will believe promotion is possible, and West Brom certainly fall into that category after their fantastic start under James Morrison.

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West Brom enjoy solid start to the season under James Morrison

The Baggies were handed a very tough fixture list on paper to begin the campaign, but they picked up six points from their first two games against Norwich and Burnley.

Even though there was an element of fortune to the win at Carrow Road, as Aune Heggebo clearly handled the ball over the line for his goal, Albion stood firm against a side that had been fancied to push for the top two.

They then followed that up with a comprehensive win over another pre-season promotion favourite in Burnley, who were outclassed for large parts at The Hawthorns.

Albion followed that up with a spirited and encouraging display in the EFL Cup at Newcastle in the week, although they did lose 3-2, but they went down 3-1 to Middlesbrough this past weekend in their first league loss of the campaign.

Charlie Austin makes West Brom claim as he discusses Championship promotion race

That combination of impressive results and excellent performances has left many Albion fans convinced that they could have a memorable year under Morrison, who did an outstanding job to keep the team up last season.

And, those views appear to be echoed by ex-striker Austin, as he told the Chaz Kicks Off Youtube Channel that Albion must be looking to take advantage of the new play-off format, even if he explained it felt strange to imply the Baggies are outsiders for promotion given their history.

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“West Brom have had a big change over the past couple of years with players going in and out, but they’ve kept with James Morrison and that is a big positive.

“We should be talking about Albion like we did with Middlesbrough (as promotion contenders). They were always in the play-offs, or a yo-yo club. But, now, and I can’t believe I’m saying this really, the likes of West Brom and a number of clubs will be looking at 7th and 8th spot knowing it gives you a chance.”

West Brom will believe promotion is possible under James Morrison

You shouldn’t read too much into two games, but you can understand why Albion fans are getting a bit carried away, as the team has performed so well.

They look well-drilled under Morrison, who has made the team tactically very difficult to play against, as well as implementing some good combinations in attack. Plus, the side shows real intensity out of possession, and there is genuine quality in the final third.

Again, it’s very early days, but it’s worth noting Morrison’s overall record since he was appointed, which is fantastic, after he managed to save the club from relegation.

So, as Austin says, there’s no reason why West Brom won’t be targeting the extra play-off places, but, if they carry on at this rate, they may even be aiming higher later in the season.