West Brom’s starting XI last night against Wigan Atheltic brought up some interesting names for supporters, yet despite the final 1-1 draw, a few supporters believe the changes were needed.
Easy to ask questions of the decision to rest 3 of the front 4 and it’s fair to say it backfired a little. But that’s with the benefit of hindsight. Before the game I thought it looked a fair enough risk. #WBA #WBAFC
— Steve Madeley (@SteveMadeley78) December 11, 2019
A failure to claim all three points last night meant that West Brom head into the weekend level on points with Leeds United but behind the Yorkshire-based club on goal difference in the Championship table, and although a good number of fans were disappointed with the result and the XI Slaven Bilic started, others saw it as a much-needed change.
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And The Athletic’s West Brom correspondent Steve Madeley also believed that keeping the squad fresh with some rotation was needed before the start of the game, something Baggies supporters also agreed with on social media even after the full-time whistle blew.
Here’s what West Brom fans had to say on Twitter about Bilic making drastic changes to the starting XI against Wigan, with a few supporters on board with the boss swapping around some players…
I trust Bilic to decide whether Diangana, Pereira etc are fit for 3 games in 6 days and I have no issue with the changes. Just wish we could have played better without them.
— jpgenius (@jp_genius) December 11, 2019
Same here Steve, we can’t keep playing the same 11 every game, in the end injuries/fatigue etc will take over and who knows what happens then . It was the perfect game to rotate and freshen things before the start of a hectic 3 weeks
— Carl 1878 (@baggyboy1878) December 11, 2019
Same… good summary…
— bobby f (@robbyofsmeth) December 12, 2019
At this stage of the season to have an 11 point gap having played 4 of the top 6 away I think any one would take that.
3 changes had a negative effect, yes.
That change will be corrected Saturday and we go again.
— Phil Merrix (@PMerrix) December 11, 2019
Well said
— jay (@jay01746182) December 11, 2019
He has to give them a rest. This league is relentless and Christmas is a killer. Plus we were due a poor performance. Picking up points playing like that shows the quality and the character. #wba
— Daniel Hewitt (@DanielHewittITV) December 11, 2019
With the Second City Derby taking place this Saturday, West Brom will be eager to return to winning ways and maintain their pursuit of Leeds in the table.