Sheffield Wednesday boss Garry Monk has claimed that West Bromwich Albion have been the best team in the league this season ahead of the meeting between the two sides on the weekend.
The Owls travel to the Hawthorns to face the league leaders on Saturday, knowing that a win could see them move into the top six–should results elsewhere go their way.
After a strong start to Monk's tenure, Wednesday struggled in the lead up to the international break and are without a win in their last three matches.
They face a Baggies side that have lost just once all season and have won four times in their last six games.
However, there is definitely hope for the Owls, especially given Slaven Bilic's side will be without key midfield duo Romaine Sawyers and Jake Livermore, who are both suspended.
Speaking to the Sheffield Star ahead of Saturday's meeting, Monk heaped praised on West Brom.
He said: "They are the best team in the league so far. They have huge threats.
"The manager has come in and done a fantastic job. We look forward to the challenge."
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Much of Wednesday's strength has been in their defensive unit this season, with only three sides conceding fewer goals in the Championship, but they face a tough task against the likes of Matheus Pereira (three goals and six assists), Grady Diangana (four goals and four assists) and Matty Phillips (six goals and one assist).
The Verdict
It's a bold claim from Monk but it's tough to disagree with him, to be honest.
The Baggies have been fantastic under Bilic, combining a solid defence with an exciting forward line. You wonder how far ahead they would be if they had an in-form striker.
Even so, the absence of Sawyers and Livermore is huge and Wednesday have got a great chance of getting something on Saturday.