Birmingham City manager Pep Clotet has stated that West Bromwich Albion are 'nailed on certainties' for promotion to the Premier League.

The Baggies have been brilliant throughout the campaign and sit in second place at this current period of time, and are six points ahead of third placed Fulham.

Slaven Bilic has created a side that is competitive in every fixture they play through the season, and even got to the fifth round of the FA Cup after beating a Premier League side in West Ham United.

Previously in the season, West Brom won at Clotet's Birmingham side by a scoreline of 3-2 in what was an enthralling fixture at St. Andrews,

Clotet has praised Birmingham's Midlands rivals and has expressed that they are certain for promotion to the Premier League this season.

Speaking to Birmingham Live, Clotet said: "Are they nailed on certainties for promotion? Yes. But I saw it from the beginning.

"I saw a very progressive team having their stamp, knowing exactly how they are playing and I think the recruitment they did makes a lot of sense."

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The Verdict

Clotet is probably saying what everyone is thinking, and that's that West Brom will be a Premier League side come the end of the campaign.

Obviously, outside issues could mean otherwise but at this current period of time it looks as though the Baggies will earn a worthy promotion to the top-flight.

Slaven Bilic has worked wonders at the club and it must be nice to hear some praise from an opposition manager who manages in the same division.

Clotet is always very honest and it's quite refreshing to hear him talk so highly of a team that a lot of Birmingham fans would consider their rivals after Aston Villa.