Jason Roberts: 'Very difficult for West Bromwich Albion to avoid relegation'

Former West Bromwich Albion striker Jason Roberts has admitted that it will be "very difficult" for the Baggies to avoid relegation from the Premier League this season.

Alan Pardew's side have lost their last five matches across all competitions, including four in a row in the Premier League to fall seven points adrift of safety.

The Baggies pulled off one of the most unlikely escapes in Premier League history in 2004-05 when they became the first team to survive having been bottom at Christmas, but Roberts fears for their chances this time around.

"It's looking very difficult now and I think it serves to point to the fact that under [Tony] Pulis things were going relatively stable," he told Sports Mole at the Laureus Sports Awards.

"I think they've made a change and Pardew is a good manager, but between injuries, loss of form and results he's now in a very difficult situation.

"But anything can happen, as we've seen many years ago with West Brom under Robson. Things can turn around very quickly and I really hope that they do with West Brom."

West Brom's next match sees them take on Watford at Vicarage Road on Saturday.