Big Sam keen for Baggies to go under radar

SAM Allardyce is happy for his West Brom side to remain under the radar in the Premier League’s relegation fight.

But the former Newcastle manager has dubbed Sunday’s clash with Newcastle United at the Hawthorns a ‘must-win clash’ if they are to avoid the drop.

West Brom are nine points adrift of Newcastle and safety but beat Brighton 1-0 last time out to earn just their second win since Allardyce took over in December.

The Baggies have a chance to cut that gap to just three points this week as they take on Everton at the Hawthorns tonight before welcoming the Magpies.

Newcastle have beaten Allardyce’s sides just twice since he left his post as Magpies’ boss in 2008 and the former England manager insists he is happy for his side to go under the radar in the battle for survival ahead of two ‘must-win’ matches this week.

“I don’t mind that. We can stay under the radar,” Allardyce said.

“Our disappointment is that we didn’t see the game through against Fulham when we were 2-1 up.”

The ex-Sunderland manager added: “We’ve missed big opportunities and that means are now in the must-win game situation. That happened against Brighton and continues against Everton, which is almost a must-win, and after that Newcastle.”

■■ ST JAMES’ Park and the Stadium of Light are believed to be on standby in case the delayed UEFA Euro 2020 tournament is moved to England.

While UEFA maintain they are keen to press on with their original plan of playing games around Europe, there are still question marks it will be possible to proceed with the tournament taking place across 12 countries.

The governing body has also committed to their pledge that fans will be inside venues for matches and have said they will confirm the schedule next month.

However, with England leading the continent on Covid vaccinations, the government have opened the door to the country playing a greater part in the tournament.

If England were to stage the Euros in full, stadiums reportedly being lined up to host matches are Old Trafford, Villa Park, the Etihad, Anfield, the London Stadium, the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and the Emirates, as well as the North East’s two largest stadia.

The re-arranged Euros are due to officially begin on June 11, with the final on July 11 at Wembley.