West Bromwich Albion head coach Eric Ramsay is already under pressure after a difficult start to his reign at The Hawthorns.
The former Minnesota United assistant replaced Ryan Mason last month but has struggled to steady the ship, losing three and drawing two of his first five matches in charge.
Heavy defeats to Norwich City (5-0) and Portsmouth (3-0) have left the Baggies just one point above the Championship relegation zone ahead of Tuesday night’s trip to Birmingham City.
Ramsay facing early pressure at The Hawthorns
With Birmingham boasting one of the strongest home records in the division, Ramsay may need to make bold selection decisions if he is to avoid an early sacking.
One such decision could involve dropping Isaac Price from the starting XI.
Why Isaac Price should be dropped
Price began the season in excellent form, registering five goals and two assists in his first 12 appearances in all competitions.
However, his output has dramatically declined. The Northern Ireland international has managed just one goal and one assist in his last 21 matches, including only one goal in 16 Championship outings.
That lack of productivity in attacking midfield is hurting West Brom, particularly as they battle to pull clear of relegation danger.
Ramsay needs consistent goals and creativity from central areas something Price has failed to provide for several months.
West Brom’s potential new Matheus Pereira
That could open the door for Hindolo Mustapha, a January loan signing from Crystal Palace, who has the potential to become West Brom’s next version of Matheus Pereira.
Pereira was a transformative figure during his time at The Hawthorns, scoring 20 goals and providing 26 assists in 77 appearances, including 20 assists in a single Championship season.
Mustapha, 19, arrived on deadline day and was unavailable for the recent draw with Stoke City. However, after a full week of training, he could now be in contention to make his debut against Birmingham.
Why Hindolo Mustapha deserves a chance
The Sierra Leone international impressed at youth level with Crystal Palace, scoring 18 goals and providing 18 assists across U18 and U21 football.
He has also made an impact internationally, scoring one goal in three senior caps, and was described as a “frightening talent” by U23 scout Antonio Mango.
While there is no guarantee his youth-level output will immediately translate to Championship football, West Brom clearly believe in his potential otherwise they would not have moved to secure his loan.
A bold call that could save Ramsay’s job
By dropping Price and giving Mustapha a chance as his attacking midfielder, Ramsay could inject creativity, unpredictability and goal threat into a struggling side.
If the teenager can deliver even a fraction of Pereira’s influence, it could spark a revival that not only lifts West Brom up the table but also saves Ramsay’s job in the process.
Thiago Nuno is a football editor and analyst covering European leagues, match statistics, and transfer market trends.
