Sam Allardyce faces an up-hill battle after replacing Slaven Bilic at the Hawthorns

The mastermind of avoiding relegation in the Premier League, Sam Allardyce faces a daunting challenge of avoiding the drop with West Bromwich Albion. Allardyce last had this challenge with Everton, salvaging their season, earning an eighth-place finish.

Big Sam has escaped the jaws of the Championship on a number of occasions, often called to rectify a club’s league campaign. Allardyce has avoided the drop to the second division four times with Blackburn Rovers, Sunderland, Crystal Palace and Everton.

The former England manager is a familiar face at the Hawthornes, having been a player manager under Brian Talbot at the Baggies between 1989 and 1991. Subsequently Talbot and Allardyce were let go from the club, after defeat to Isthmian  league side, Woking, in the FA Cup.

Renowned for his ‘hoof the ball’ style of play, Allardyce has faced criticism from a number of managers where former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho likened his style of play to football from the 19^th century. But how will this style affect West Brom as they look to fend off relegation?

Albion will look to ploy a direct style of play against local rivals Aston Villa in the new managers first game in charge, however the Baggies will be without a selection of first-team players due to injury which include, Hal Robson-Kanu, Kyle Bartley and Sam Field whilst star player Matheus Pereira remains suspended.

His first port of call will be to fend off a relentless Aston Villa who come off the back of a goalless draw against Albion’s relegation rivals, Burnley. In this local derby, we can expect form to go out the window as Allardyce’s players will look to impress their new boss and reignite a chance of survival.

The former England manager will aim to make West Brom hard to beat by creating a robust defence, Big Sam has come in at the right time, just before the January transfer window. However due to a lack of financial backing at the Hawthorns, it will be tough for the new manager to bring any one in.

With a win percentage of 39.4% in 1,034 games in charge, Allardyce will look to continue his fine record as a manager. Albion are unbeaten in eight home games against Villa having won three and drew five, the last meeting between both clubs was in the Sky Bet Championship play-off semi-final which saw Aston Villa earn a ticket to Wembley despite being 1-0 down after extra time.

Following his appointment at the Hawthorns, Big Sam commented on what he wants to do for Albion.

“I’m hoping, as a manager, I can bring relief to the players, fans and everyone connected with this club by trying to steer them away from the danger zone”

In a 38-game season, more bizarre things have happened, currently three points from safety, Allardyce will aim to prevent Albion from sinking even further into the relegation zone.