Darren Moore: Next two games will not define West Brom's season
Darren Moore says the next two games will not define Albion’s season – and predicts the promotion race will go down to the wire.
The Baggies welcome Sheffield United to The Hawthorns this Saturday before travelling to Elland Road next Friday to play Leeds in two huge promotion six-pointers.
But with nearly 40 points still to play for this season, Moore has played down their significance in the battle for the top two.
“No it won’t be a definitive part to the season, because there’s still so many games to play,” he said.
“Everybody is playing everybody so it will ebb and flow right the way through. It’s just about the next game for me and the next three points available.
“It’s a wonderful and exciting game for any neutral looking in. Hopefully the game will live up to the expectations.”
The top four teams are currently separated by just three points, although Leeds have a game in hand on the other three.
Moore is expecting the promotion race to go down to the wire in May.
“I’ve said that since the start of the season and my views are no different,” said Moore. “It’s a wonderfully exciting league, there’s still a lot of football to be played.
“We’re coming towards the latter parts, but there’s still a lot of games, over double figures of games to be played. That’s why we just look towards this game.”
Fourth-placed Albion have won 10 points from a possible 12 so far against the three teams currently above them.
Hal Robson-Kanu is the only doubt for the Baggies this weekend, but Moore welcomes Dwight Gayle back from his two-match ban for diving.
Gayle is expected to start against United, even though Albion won both games in his absence, and Moore was pleased with how his squad stood up to the test.
“With Dwight’s record and the goals he’s scored, when others have stepped in they’ve performed,” he said. “That’s what we want because we want the competition.
“The group showed wonderful adaptability because when we’ve been without certain players the momentum and continuation of the group has been there.
“It’s a wonderful option and headache for me to have. I’d rather have that than not at all.”
