Tony Mowbray simply has to get West Brom in the top six - this factor sets them apart from Coventry, Blackburn | OneFootball

With unrivaled attacking depth, West Brom have a squad most Championship clubs envy - now Mowbray must secure a top-six finish.

West Bromwich Albion are approaching a pivotal stage in the Championship season, with their play-off ambitions hanging in the balance.

Following the return of Tony Mowbray, the club has entered a crucial period where performances must translate into results.

While competition for a top-six finish remains fierce, West Brom possess a key advantage over their rivals - one that should make missing out on the play-offs unthinkable.

Unlike other contenders such as Coventry City and Blackburn Rovers, the Baggies boast an enviable depth in attacking options, a luxury that very few in the division can match.

West Brom’s attacking arsenal should be the envy of the Championship

One of the defining traits of successful promotion-challenging teams is their ability to sustain performance levels over the course of a long, demanding campaign.

Injuries, fatigue, and tactical adjustments often expose weaknesses in a squad’s depth, yet West Brom appear immune to such issues in attack.

In their recent hard-earned 1-1 draw against Leeds United, they had the luxury of starting with an attacking quartet of Adam Armstrong, Rayhaan Tulloch, John Swift, and Mikey Johnston - a front line capable of troubling any Championship defence.

However, what truly sets them apart is the calibre of reinforcements available. When changes were required, Mowbray could call upon Daryl Dike, Karlan Grant, Tom Fellows, and Grady Diangana - all of whom possess the quality to be starting options in their own right.

This depth allows West Brom to maintain their attacking intensity regardless of substitutions or rotations, a crucial factor in navigating the relentless fixture schedule.

By contrast, their direct play-off competitors do not enjoy the same strength in depth.

Coventry, despite being a well-drilled side and rising exponentially under Frank Lampard’s guidance, remain heavily reliant on the contributions of Ellis Simms, Ephron Mason-Clarke and Tatsuhiro Sakamoto - and Haji Wright, when fit - with little in reserve to match their output.

Rovers, meanwhile, have not yet replaced the contribution of Sammie Szmodics, whose goals kept them in the division last season. 2024/25 addition Makhtar Gueye has not replicated Szmodics’ numbers, the form of Tyrhys Dolan is patchy, and the January loan signing of Emmanuel Dennis is yet to prove inspired.

West Brom’s squad composition gives them a major advantage - one that Mowbray must exploit to its full potential.

Tony Mowbray has no excuses - this West Brom team must deliver

With a forward line so well-equipped for an automatic promotion challenge, let alone a play-off push, the expectation on Mowbray is clear: anything less than a top-six finish would represent a failure.

The Championship is an unforgiving league, and inconsistency can be costly, but West Brom have been given a structural advantage that few others possess.

The challenge for Mowbray is not simply about assembling a competitive starting eleven but ensuring that his squad is utilised effectively.

He must establish a system that maximises the firepower at his disposal, keeps key players fresh, and allows the team to remain tactically adaptable in high-pressure situations.

Other promotion hopefuls may struggle with depth issues as the season progresses, but West Brom have the tools to withstand those challenges. If they fall short, it will not be due to a lack of resources but a failure to capitalise on them.

West Bromwich Albion supporters have been patient, but with this squad, there is no justification for another season of underachievement.

The attacking talent at Mowbray’s disposal should be the foundation of a successful promotion bid. Now, it is up to him to deliver.