Albion have seven fixtures remaining in this 2023/24 season, and a lot can still happen.
Now, clearly, I would love to see us win all of those games, sail up the table and secure another season of European football but, being realistic, our recent form suggests that might not happen.
With that in mind, there are a few things I would like to see that should help set us up for next season:
1. Bart Verbruggen to start every game, and cement himself as number one. Jason Steele has been a fantastic part of our success, but Bart is the future, and that future starts now.
2. Evan Ferguson to get a goal, any goal, maybe even a penalty in a dead rubber to get the goalless run behind him. Fergie needs to feel good about his football again, and a goal will help him get back on track.
3. Adam Lallana to announce his retirement so we can give him a good send-off and free up wages, and a squad spot, for next season. He is clearly highly influential in the dressing room and on the training ground, so I would hope he stays on in a coaching role, but I think one more playing season might be one too many.
4. Pervis Estupiñán to get a run of games and rediscover his form. Chris Sutton described Estupiñán as the best left-back in the league, but he’s been below his brilliant best since his injury, and we want the real Pervis back next season!
5. Danny Welbeck to score just two more goals – no more and no less – to get to his customary six league goals. And for him to sign a new contract. At 33 Dat Guy still has a lot to offer.
6. Two more goals for João Pedro. The Brazilian has been a sensational signing. Of his 19 Albion goals to date, he has notched eight in the Premier League. He deserves to be in double figures, and a couple more goals will get him there.
7. Carlos Baleba to continue getting game time. Billy Gilmour’s injury has been a real blow, but the silver lining to that particular cloud has been the emergence of Carlos Baleba. He’s looking better and more Premier League minutes will help his development.
8. Solly March and Kaoru Mitoma to enjoy relaxed rehabilitations. If we aren’t going to secure European qualification there’s little need to get them back in the first-team squad this season. Take it easy and be raring to go when pre-season training commences.
9. See Mark O’Mahony get some first-team minutes to see if he’s a squad option for next season, or will benefit from a loan season to hone his craft.
10. BEAT CHELSEA. Please, please, please let us beat that horrible club. If nothing else, this has to happen.
What are you looking for in the final games of the season? Join the conversation here!
This article has been adapted from a North Stand Chat thread. If you have a view, opinion or insight to share with other Albion fans, please get in touch – we’re only just getting started and would love to hear from you!
Images courtesy of Reuters
