Tony Pulis's position at West Brom not under immediate threat

Pulis has only won two of his last 19 league games spanning the past two seasons, sparking speculation among supporters that his job is on the line this Saturday.

But even though the Baggies hierarchy are concerned by the run, his position is not under any immediate threat.

Pulis is expected to be given until Christmas to turn form around after guiding the club to a top-half finish last season.

Chairman John Williams and chief executive Martin Goodman make the footballing decisions on behalf of Chinese owner Guochuan Lai, although the eco-town entrepreneur can override them if he chooses to.

Williams handed Pulis a 12-month extension to his deal on the eve of this season, keeping him contracted at The Hawthorns until the summer of 2019.

Albion were widely regarded to have enjoyed a successful summer in the transfer market, when shrewd business brought in six new faces for under £40m.

But the club’s decision-makers recognise that so many new players has brought upheaval to the squad.

Pulis is attempting to improve the team’s threat from open play this season and has continually asked for time to gel his new players together.

But a series of limp performances against Brighton, West Ham, and Southampton, coupled with conceding late equalisers against Watford and Leicester has heaped pressure on the head coach.

During Albion’s game with Manchester City last weekend, a minority of fans directed angry chants towards the dugout, bemoaning his style of football, and there were a few boos at the end of the 3-2 defeat.

However, the clamour for Pulis’s head has been louder on social media than in the stands so far.

That could change this weekend if Albion struggle at newly-promoted Huddersfield in front of a sold-out away end at the St John Smith’s Stadium. But a defeat will not cost Pulis his job.

Albion’s head coach hasn’t been helped by a series of injuries since the start of the season, but he now only has two players sidelined.

James Morrison is hoping to return from his Achilles problem at home to Chelsea after the international break and Craig Dawson is expected back from his knee injury around Christmas.