West Brom 's next manager if Ryan Mason is sacked according to intriguing artificial intelligence prediction

West Brom lost 1-0 away at Swansea City on New Year’s Day to heap more pressure on Ryan Mason. They are back in action on Monday with a home clash against Leicester City. The Baggies are sat in 18th place in the Championship table after 25 fixtures.

The Midlands club have struggled to get going this season and are seven points above the relegation zone. Their hierarchy will have a decision to make regarding Mason’s position, especially if things don’t change. Here is a look at who AI predicts could be his replacement if he leaves:

West Brom’s next manager predicted by AI

West Brom could turn to Millwall boss Alex Neil if they part ways with Mason, AI has predicted. The Scotsman has done an impressive job with the Lions since his move to The Den around 12 months ago. He has also had spells in the past with the likes of Hamilton Academical, Norwich City, Preston North End, Sunderland and Stoke City.

Michael Carrick has also been mentioned as a contender by AI. The 44-year-old is available and has been weighing up his options since Middlesbrough gave him the chop at he end of the last campaign. As a player, he operated as a midfielder with West Ham, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United, as well as the England national team.

AI has also backed Liam Rosenior if the Baggies’ position became vacant. He has caught the eye in Ligue 1 with Strasbourg and has experience in English football from his time at Hull City. However, he has now emerged as a replacement for Enzo Maresca at Chelsea, as per BBC Sport, which would raise some eyebrows.

More potential West Brom candidates

AI has tipped Gary O’Neil for West Brom as he continues to consider his options in the game. The ex-AFC Bournemouth and Wolves man has been out of the dugout for a while and needs to get back in soon. He started his coaching career at Liverpool after hanging up his boots and has some decent pedigree behind him following his stints in the top flight.

John Eustace is another name brought into the question by AI. He seems happy in his current position at Derby County though and it would be a surprise if he left Pride Park for the Baggies. Eustace was appointed by the Rams in February last year and departed Blackburn Rovers to join them before he kept them up on the final day of last term. His team are now eyeing a place in the play-offs and beat Middlesbrough 1-0 last time out.

Finally, Stoke City’s Mark Robins is someone who AI reckons West Brom will target if Mason goes. Like Eustace though, he probably wouldn’t leave the Potters unless silly money was thrown at him. He moved to the Bet365 Stadium only last year and wants to get the Staffordshire club into the top six if possible. Prior to his move, he spent seven years at Coventry City and guided them up the Football League.