Preview: West Bromwich Albion vs. Bristol City - prediction, team news, lineups

Despite sitting four points clear of the Baggies, Bristol City have suffered an alarming drop off in form, now only sitting in 16th position in the standings.

Match preview

After Steve Bruce was inevitably removed from his position at West Brom this week, Under-21s boss Richard Beale was given the task of trying to kick-start the Baggies' campaign, at least in the short term.

All things considered, that will likely remain the case, but Beale may come into contention for the full-time role as manager if West Brom continue to record results like the one that they did on Saturday.

Although Reading have enjoyed a strong start to the season, they were soundly beaten by a 2-0 scoreline, Matt Phillips and Taylor Gardner-Hickman chipping in with the goals.

West Brom also kept their second clean sheet in succession, and there at least feels something to build upon as they bid to move clear of the relegation zone.

Despite their struggles this campaign, West Brom still have the joint sixth-best attack in the Championship this season.

Bristol City have scored one more goal than their hosts, giving them the second-best offensive record in the division, but that is undermined by having the second-worst defence.

At one stage, Nigel Pearson's side had been the surprise package in the second tier, a tag which no longer applies having lost five of their last seven fixtures.

The most recent setback came on Saturday as they succumbed to a 2-1 defeat at home to Millwall, their third reverse at Ashton Gate in eight games.

While the fixtures get no easier for Pearson and his squad with a trip to Reading to follow this game, the Robins desperately need a response if they are to remain in the hunt for the playoffs ahead of the second half of the season.

West Bromwich Albion Championship form:

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D

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Bristol City Championship form:

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Team News

Unless he wishes to freshen up his West Brom XI, Beale may be prepared to stick with the side which performed well at Reading.

Karlan Grant is an alternative to Brandon Thomas-Asante down the middle of the attack, but the likes of Tom Rogic and John Swift are again expected to miss out in midfield.

There will be far more changes to the Bristol City side with Nahki Wells expected to be recalled to the forward line.

Cameron Pring may be provided with a start in the back three or at left wing-back for the first time this season, while Tomas Kalas is also pushing for an opportunity after injury.

Second-choice goalkeeper Max O'Leary will keep his spot between the sticks, and Andy King may come back into the midfield.

West Bromwich Albion possible starting lineup:

Palmer; O'Shea, Kelly, Pieters; Phillips, Livermore, Gardner-Hickman, Townsend; Wallace, Thomas-Asante, Diangana

Bristol City possible starting lineup:

O'Leary; Vyner, Klose, Atkinson; Sykes, Weimann, Scott, King, Dasilva; Wells, Semenyo

We say: West Bromwich Albion 2-1 Bristol City

Bristol City will still feel that there is still a lack of confidence within the Baggies setup, something which they will look to exploit. Nevertheless, we can only back a home victory, potentially by the odd goal in three after what should be a competitive game.

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