West Bromwich Albion are looking to secure promotion back to the Premier League via the play-offs in 2024/25 but are facing some heavy competition.
West Brom have had a hectic Championship campaign to date but remain firmly in contention to finish inside the top six.
After a positive first half of the campaign, the Baggies were rocked by the exit of manager Carlos Corberan, who has now taken up a role in La Liga with Valencia.
They have since appointed former Middlesbrough man Tony Mowabray and are beginning to find form at just the right time.
West Brom drew 1-1 with Burnley on Tuesday evening and are now undefeated in their last five Championship fixtures, climbing up to fifth in the division as a result.
The Clarets, along with Sheffield United, Leeds United, and Sunderland, are favourites to secure promotion to the Premier League this term.
But it is none of that quartet that Jed Wallace has named as West Brom’s toughest opponents so far this term.
Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images
Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images
Jed Wallace names Middlesbrough as best team West Brom have played
West Brom clashed with Middlesbrough at the The Hawthorns on October 1st, losing that fixture 1-0 thanks to a stunning strike from Hayden Hackney.
The reverse fixture at the Riverside Stadium on January 21st saw Hackney get himself on the scoresheet again, with Ben Doak netting Boro’s second goal that day to earn a 2-0 victory.
Michael Carrick’s men have since struggled for form and results in the following two months.
But when speaking on 72+: The EFL Podcast this week, Wallace still named the Teessiders as the best team West Brom have come across in 2024/25.
Aaron Paul asked: “Jed, who is the best side you have faced this season personally? What side do you walk off and think ‘yeah, they’re the best in the division’.
Wallace responded: “This is always an interesting one as a player because I always judge it on who I’ve played against on the day.
“The best team we have played over the two games is probably Middlesbrough. They were probably the best team that have come to The Hawthorns and away from home they beat us quite comfortably to be honest.”
Jed Wallace says Leeds United are better than Middlesbrough
While Wallace was quick to praise Middlesbrough after they did the double over the Baggies, he actually thinks Leeds are the best team in the Championship this season.
He added: “I actually think Leeds are the best team in the league I think they’ve found a really good balance.
“I think they’ve probably struggled with what to do with that number nine and I think they’ve found that balance now with Piroe dropping and Dan James in behind has been a real threat and has been one of the best players in the league for me this season.
“And the full-backs, how many times do you see a full-back score a header from a cross on his own side, it’s almost unheard of isn’t it and also Elland Road is a huge factor, the atmosphere there is amazing.”
West Brom drew 1-1 with The Whites earlier this month after playing out a 0-0 draw in Yorkshire back in August.