West Bromwich Albion's season has hit a bumpy patch in recent weeks, although, the fact that they have lost just once will provide some encouragement.

The Baggies sit second to Leeds United by goal difference with the pair holding a nine-point advantage to those outside of the automatic promotion spots.

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Their season could well hinge on the activity they do this month as there is still plenty of room for improvement at the Hawthorns.

On the Chalkboard

Much of the talk ahead of the January transfer window has been surrounding potential additions in the striking department with the likes of Dwight Gayle, Jarrod Bowen and even Che Adams but Slaven Bilic must avert his attention elsewhere for the time being.

Yes, they have suffered in the absence of loan ace Grady Diangana, in fact, the side are yet to win without him - the 22-year-old has directly contributed to ten goals this campaign.

But it is in defence where their major problems lie.

Albion have kept a clean sheet in just 19% of their 26 league games, which is the lowest of any team inside the top eight and is worse than both Middlesbrough and Derby County, who are closer to the relegation zone than the playoffs.

At the Hawthorns it is an even worse situation as they have leaked 68% of their goals this season on their own patch.

Something has got to change here as the pressure is currently on the forwards to outscore the opposition.

Bilic's most significant problem could lie at left-back, and it may get worse as the month goes on.

Kieran Gibbs just can't stay fit, he's played nine times in the Championship this term and was forced off early against Leeds on New Year's Day once again.

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Nathan Ferguson could be sold this month amidst interest from an array of European heavyweights, that's if he doesn't sign the lucrative contract offered to him.

And then there is Conor Townsend, who has been a bit-part player, making ten appearances, half of which being starts. It remains to be seen whether he's up to the standard that a promotion push entails.

This is an area that must be strengthened if Albion are to keep their challenge up for the rest of the campaign.

Meanwhile, West Brom have potentially received a season-defining boost this month...