Lewis Cox's West Brom analysis: Weekend of change and fresh test for ailing Baggies

Despite the inconsistencies which have plagued Albion's season they had remained in the top six for much of the campaign. It is some time since Albion did not occupy fifth or sixth - which has said much about the poor standard of this year's Championship.

That is not the case now, though. As Albion supporters now see their side down in eighth, three points adrift of the play-offs, after a winless run of four and back-to-back 1-0 defeats.

Sunderland's victory at The Hawthorns via a first-half Trai Hume winner from goalkeeper Joe Wildsmith's error typified the Albion mood at the moment and did very little to inspire with six games remaining.

All too often this season rivals have tripped over each other and been totally incapable of putting victories together to punish one another.

Now, at the crunch time, Tony Mowbray's men have slipped up and have finally been punished. It was only going to be a matter of time with such inconsistent form.

Coventry, one of the quartet realistically fighting for the two available spots, have also slipped up with consecutive defeats and it is Middlesbrough and Bristol City's turn to take advantage in fifth and sixth.

The latter, of course, welcome Mowbray's men to Ashton Gate on Tuesday night for sixth against eighth. Albion must show they have it in them to win away from The Hawthorns for just a second time since September.

Even the most optimistic, glass-half-full Baggie will not hold out too much hope down in Bristol.