West Brom points deduction: What it means for fight against relegation

Albion have been thrown back into the Championship relegation mix after a two-point deduction for breaching profit and sustainability regulations.

The club strongly disagree with the outcome of an independent commission hearing which upheld the EFL charge and a penalty was dished out.

The loss of two points could have serious ramifications for James Morrison’s side as it reopens the door to relegation from the second tier.

Albion won 3-0 at home to Watford on Tuesday night to continue a magnificent run of nine games unbeaten to go eight points clear of the Championship drop zone with two fixtures left.

It would have sealed Championship safety, but with the outcome of the hearing hanging over the club.

And fears were confirmed on Friday afternoon, where the commission reached a decision on the charge 24 hours after a two-day hearing - believed to be unprecedented timing in a case of this nature.

It emerged a change this year in PSR regulations when it comes to spending to support the community is behind the breach of less than £2million.

Albion’s owners Bilkul Football WBA, fronted by chairman Shilen Patel, have financially supported The Albion Foundation since their takeover two years ago

But what does it mean for the fight against relegation with two games left?

Essentially, with two fixtures of the league season remaining, Morrison’s men still have work to do.

The simple maths are the Baggies require one point from the final two games to now secure safety.

Morrison’s men are at home to second-placed automatic promotion-hunting Ipswich Town on Saturday lunchtime, live in front of the television cameras.

The Tractor Boys are in a fierce four-way battle for the second and final automatic promotion spot and are set to pose a stern test to Morrison’s in-form troops.

Oxford United, who occupy the final relegation place, have been thrown a faint lifeline by the outcome of a hearing.

On 44 points, the U’s can now reel in Morrison’s men, who are six points ahead.

Oxford are at home to relegated bottom side Sheffield Wednesday at 3pm on Saturday, after the Baggies clash with Ipswich. Oxford will be aware of Albion’s outcome before their match with the Owls.

If Albion are beaten by Kieran McKenna’s visitors and the U’s pick up a victory it will take the survival race until the final day next Saturday, May 2, with the gap three points.

The Baggies go to Sheffield Wednesday’s Hillsborough on the final day, where they would be required to pick up a point to secure the survival.

If the worst-case scenario from an Albion perspective plays out, a goal difference swing would also be required for Oxford to leapfrog the Baggies.

Albion’s goal difference is currently -9, six goals better off than Oxford’s -15.

But, if the Baggies are twice defeated and Oxford chalk up two wins, the goal difference will naturally swing.

Boss Morrison said in his press conference on Friday, before news of the sanction, that he and his side are determined to finish the season in style to make any potential punishment a moot point.