John Eustace plays up Derby County ‘fighting spirit’ but admits they must do one thing vs West Brom

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Derby County boss John Eustace is still full of spirit ahead of his side’s clash with West Brom.

Derby County suffered a defeat to Luton Town on Friday afternoon, which saw them unable to capitalise on their recent run under John Eustace.

The Rams still find themselves sucked into the Championship relegation battle, with the Hatters gaining valuable ground on Derby County, who face a crucial set of upcoming games.

A clash for Derby County against Hull City is on the horizon as the Rams’ penultimate game of the 2024/25 Championship campaign, but before that, they travel to an out-of-form West Brom side, who have won just one of their last seven.

Ahead of the game, Eustace has faced the media, in which he has admitted one thing his side must achieve vs West Brom.

• READ MORE: John Eustace calls for calm with ‘in our hands’ claim and explains reasons for Derby County losing 1-0 to Luton Town

John Eustace explains the ‘opportunity’ Derby County have vs West Brom

Derby County boss Eustace, despite the previous poor defeat at Pride Park, is feeling optimistic ahead of a trip to West Brom, in which he explains the benefit of the games coming thick and fast at the business end of the 2024/25 Championship season.

“We want a game as quickly as we can now,” said Eustace, via the in-house club media. “It is an opportunity to put things right [after the defeat to Luton Town on Friday] and we’ll make sure we’re fit and ready to go.

“Whoever plays for us, they’ll show that fighting spirit that we have. We have to keep working hard and showing that belief.”

The Rams boss will need his side to get points on the board to keep that ‘belief’ across the fanbase, especially amid Luton Town’s recent upturn in form under Matt Bloomfield.

• READ MORE: Curtis Davies claims Derby County ‘didn’t do anything right’ in defeat to Luton Town

West Brom discontent could play into John Eustace’s favour

Recent games have seen West Brom’s play-off hopes this season fade away, despite spending a large part of the 2024/25 Championship season nestled in the top six places.

With very little to play for at this point for Tony Mowbray’s side, who, per OPTA Analyst, have a slight 5.26% likelihood of finishing in the play-offs, this could play into Derby County’s favour, who will be fighting for their lives at the Hawthorns.

If Derby County can notch a win against a poor West Brom outfit, the pressure will surely be on Hull City and/or Luton Town to get points on the board.