OPINION
After West Brom thrashed Leeds United in front of the Hawthorns faithful earlier this season, it is fair to say Marcelo Bielsa and his men got their own back on Friday night.
The two games were like chalk and cheese, with the once dominant Baggies reduced to a former shell of themselves as the Whites ran riot from start to finish.
There will no doubt have been a dressing room inquest as to why Darren Moore and his men were so easily seen off at Elland Road but the fact of the matter is that most of the manager’s players were not up to scratch.
The return of Matt Phillips to the side, the winger having missed out through injury, will no doubt be a big boost to the Baggies’ hopes, with Moore confirming to the club’s official website that after working his way back from an ankle issue on the training ground he should be ready to take on the tractor boys.
As a right wing back or out-and-out-winger, there should be at least two people in the starting XI fearing the axe but there are three that Moore should be looking at to replace with Phillips.
The most obvious man with his head on the chopping block is perhaps Mason Holgate, the defender having struggled to make any sort of impact at either end of the pitch.
Phillips has proven his worth as an attacking full back and after failing to impress, the Everton loanee is well deserving of a place on the bench.
If not Holgate, than Hal Robson-Kanu has got to be fearing for his first team spot, making a rare start against Leeds on Friday.
It was only his second appearance in five Championship games and after his display versus Bielsa’s men you can see why.
The third man who needs to consider himself on the chopping block is Craig Dawson, who suffered one of the worst defensive displays of his career.
Unconvincing throughout, perhaps a shake up at the back with Holgate taking his natural centre back role and Phillips filling in on the right could sort out the issues.
All three should be worried about Phillips’ return – who drops out, Moore must decide.