Slaven Bilic explains what he thinks of Birmingham City - and Pep Clotet's impending exit

Slaven Bilic says West Brom will be fully prepared for Birmingham City, despite the fact that this weekend’s opponents have already announced that their boss Pep Clotet will be leaving the club in the summer. Some might claim that the Blues players, therefore, mightn’t be as focused as they otherwise would be, with such an uncertainty hanging over the managerial hotseat. “Obviously not otherwise they wouldn’t say it,” Bilic reasoned, when asked if such an announcement might have a bearing on Blues’ approach to their remaining matches. Generally speaking, Bilic has been impressed by Blues this term. He’s well aware of their strengths, which were used to great effect as their form rocketed prior to lock-down, and the goal threat that both Lukas Jutkiewicz and Scott Hogan carry up top. “What I expect is an extremely front footed team that is very brave. A team that up front can become dangerous in absolutely no time with Lukas Jutkiewicz and Scott Hogan.