West Bromwich Albion manager Slaven Bilic has claimed that Nottingham Forest are 'dreaming' of a top two spot after snatching a draw against the Baggies last weekend in what was a hotly contested 2-2 draw between the two sides.

That result meant that West Brom's lead at the top had been cut down to just four points after second placed Leeds United picked up a morale boosting victory at home to Bristol City to close the deficit on the league leaders.

The Baggies now head into a tough away game at Ashton Gate on Saturday as they seek to extend their lead at the top and subsequently their unbeaten run as they look to make it five games in a row without defeat.

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Speaking ahead of the game against the Robins, Bilic was quick to suggest that Forest have a new optimism about them after last weekend's score draw, with the Croatian stating the following to the Birmingham Mail:

"It is much easier to be third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh than first or second. They are dreaming. If you read about Forest, they are dreaming they are hoping to get in the top two.

"But when you are top two you have to (win promotion). That is a pressure you have to cope with."

Before he went on to say the following:

"If you go to Nottingham Forest's website or any team chasing us, it’s always about them dreaming about something."

The Baggies could move seven points clear at the top if Leeds fall to defeat against Reading, whilst Bristol City could move into the top six with a home win on Saturday.

The Verdict 

It is hard to tell if Bilic is playing mind games with his rivals or if he is genuinely feeling the pressure at the top of the league as he prepares his side for another testing tie this weekend.

The Baggies boss will be safe in the knowledge that his side have a good cushion over Leeds right now but he will also be keen to see his players not rest on their laurels as they look to secure a return to the Premier League.

The game at Ashton Gate is likely to be a fascinating affair as both sides compete to be in the all important race for promotion come the end of the season.