EFL pundit Sam Parkin has issued a warning to West Bromwich Albion fans about promotion following their excellent 2-1 win at Carrow Road last weekend.
James Morrison kept West Bromwich Albion in the Championship last season, and the club has signed seven players this summer to reinforce its ranks and improve on a disastrous 2025/26 season.
West Brom began 2026/27 with a 4-1 cup win against Rotherham United and a 2-1 victory over Norwich City, with Jimmy-Jay Morgan shining alongside Harry Whitwell. The new Chelsea signing has already contributed to four of those goals.
Sam Parkin delivers an assessment on West Brom’s promotion hopes.
Sam Parkin spoke on Benjamin Bloom’s YouTube channel about the two sides and tempered West Brom fans’ expectations following their strong start to the season.
He stated: “Two good squads. I am not going to change my mind about Norwich. I think they’ll be quite good this year. “I believe that’s a good early indicator of West Brom’s potential this season.””I’m not sure they’ve got the squad to really challenge, but you know, the fans should be optimistic about being well away from trouble and potentially pushing up that top half.”Do you know what? Looking at the team, I haven’t followed all of the activities here, but I have done some reading,
and I am astonished that [Alex] Mowatt has left. “I really am.”Sorry, there are a lot of moving pieces. Whitwell, Price, and Horn Myhre played in a compact 4-2-2-2 formation.I believe Horn Myhre was considerably more profound and important.
“Those three guys are about 6 feet tall, but a stiff breeze could knock them over.”They are all really gifted, graceful footballers. Mowatt gives steadiness, is a fantastic passer, and a lovely footballer, but I’m surprised he’s departed. “I’m not sure if [Jason] Molumby is moving on or out of favour, but he was on the bench.”So,
from the outside, it seemed like West Brom lacked some steel. And perhaps it is why they were on the back foot at times, and Norwich seemed to have an advantage. “A great win, and they’ll be competitive because I really like West Brom.”I just like West Brom, so maybe change the plan and mentality a little bit.
It feels very different from the West Brom that I’ve seen in the first few weeks of the season. Don’t get me wrong, they’ve had a lot of success in the past, but they haven’t always been pleasant to watch. I believe that is reasonable to say.”
Why West Brom fans should be thrilled about their start to the season.
West Brom fans should be wary of experts who try to lower their expectations this season. The Baggies have developed around a younger, more dynamic core, with Morrison providing the team a defined identity and other players still having opportunity to grow.
Morrison also guided Albion reach safety last season, losing only twice in his final 13 games. There is no guaranty they will suddenly challenge at the top, especially in such a competitive Championship, but that should not deter supporters from being optimistic.
This is a fun squad that is constantly improving, and with more development from its younger players, West Brom could surprise many people who have already written them off as anything other than mid-table.
West Brom’s first league games will swiftly establish their status.
The opposite viewpoint is that West Brom have every cause to be positive under Morrison, but expectations should be kept in check after finishing 21st last season, even after deducting two points.
Furthermore, their first Championship matchups are extremely difficult, but if they can emerge with confidence and points, that might be the make of this emerging team.
West Bromwich Albion’s Opening fixtures 2026/27
Opponents (Home and Away)
Date
Kickoff time
Burnley (H)
Sunday, August 23
12:00
Middleborough (A)
Saturday, August 29
12:30
Charlton Athletics (H)
Wednesday, September 2.
19:45
Watford (H)
Saturday, September 5 at 15:00
Derby County
Wednesday, September 9.
19:45
QPR (H)
Saturday, September 12
12:30
Wolves (A
Sunday, September 20
12:00
Birmingham City (H.)
Saturday, October 10
12;30
Wrexham (A)
Tuesday, October 12.
19:45
There are still apparent voids, particularly in the attacking midfield and wide areas, and Mowatt’s departure has left another hole to fill. The potential is there, but Albion still requires further development before discussion of the play-offs and beyond becomes fully legitimate.
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