The prospect of relegation undeniably seems like the most likley route for Albion come the end of the season. Months ago I wrote off the Baggies, suggesting that they utterly lacked the sufficeint quality to compete in the Premier League and that the only possibility of survival would be in the form of something identical to that of the Great Escape during the 2004-05 season.

However, 24 fixtures into the season and the Baggies are only two points away from safety and two wins shy of 14th place in the league. This seasons astonishingly tight progression regarding point totals sees less than ten points seperating positions nine through twenty. Consequently, Albion has tremendously benefited from this unlikely course that the season has taken.

Instead of seeing the Baggies nestled at the bottom of the league several points adrift of safety like Sunderland of 2005-06 or Derby of last season, they are still seriously involved in this league and competing in what should prove to be one of the most exciting relegation battles in the history of the Premier League. Come seasons end, we may witness not one but three Great Escapes, only hoping that Albion is one among them.

If you have any questions or comments, you can reach me at dino.p10@hotmail.com