Preview: West Bromwich Albion vs. Huddersfield Town - prediction, team news, lineups

The Baggies kept their playoff hopes alive with a win over Wigan Athletic on Tuesday night, whereas the Terriers are embroiled in a battle to maintain their second-tier status under new management.

Match preview

West Brom's impeccable form at The Hawthorns continued last time out courtesy of a narrow 1-0 success over Shaun Maloney's Latics, with American Daryl Dike on the scoresheet once more to secure another home victory.

Albion boss Carlos Corberan admitted after the game that his side should have sealed the points much earlier in the contest - the hosts certainly had enough opportunities to do so - however the West Midlands outfit had to survive a late onslaught from Wigan to hold onto their maximum.

Muted celebrations at full-time may not signify how important those three points could prove to be for the Baggies, with West Brom moving up to ninth in the league standings, four points behind sixth-placed Norwich City.

A playoff place looked more likely than not after a sensational start to Corberan's tenure in the Black Country hotseat, although four-straight away defeats in the Championship have severely hindered Albion's progress up the table - understandably supporters will be happy to be at The Hawthorns this weekend.

Corberan's side are unbeaten in 10 matches on home soil in all competitions, with their last home defeat coming at the hands of Sheffield United all the way back in October.

Huddersfield boss Neil Warnock can only dream of an unbeaten spell as long as 10 games as his side battle to stay in the division, although they did halt a worrying run of defeats on Tuesday night at home to Bristol City.

The Terriers kept their first clean sheet under the stewardship of 74-year-old Warnock in a goalless draw with the Robins last time out - a game which saw the visitors create the majority of the clear-cut chances, but to no reward as Huddersfield earned a valuable point.

The Yorkshire-based club will take anything to add to their tally in the Championship table, however the fact that safety is now six points away will not have gone unnoticed at The John Smith's Stadium, with a tricky patch of upcoming fixtures providing little opportunity to record maximums.

All of Town's next six second-tier clashes are against sides currently occupying top-10 positions - an intimidating schedule that will have supporters worrying that their 11-year absence from League One could be coming to an end.

Warnock has won eight promotions during his coveted managerial career, yet keeping a wounded Huddersfield side in the Championship this season would surely rank as one of his greatest achievements in the game.

West Bromwich Albion Championship form:

L

D

L

W

L

W

Huddersfield Town Championship form:

L

L

W

L

L

D

Team News

West Brom's injury woes could be set to worsen after centre-back Erik Pieters was forced off in the second half on Tuesday with a recurring knee problem, with Semi Ajayi set to partner Dara O'Shea in the Baggies backline on Saturday.

Grady Diangana will remain sidelined with a foot injury which may require campaign-ending surgery - that coupled with the absences of Brandon Thomas-Asante and Karlan Grant, Albion's attacking options are extremely limited outside of the starting XI.

Injuries in the Baggies' ranks led to forward Mo Faal being recalled from his loan spell at National League North side AFC Fylde this week, and the player could make only his second-ever Albion appearance on Saturday.

Huddersfield have their own injury concerns to contend with ahead of a trip to The Hawthorns, with manager Warnock claiming he is unsure whether winger Anthony Knockaert will be available for selection after picking up a knock.

Scott High is also a doubt for the Terriers after the 22-year-old fractured his wrist, whereas Danny Ward could be another player who misses out this weekend due to a rib injury.

Town moved to a back four against Bristol City and may continue with that formation at West Brom, especially considering the unavailability of left-wing-back Jaheim Headley due to a hamstring injury.

West Bromwich Albion possible starting lineup:

Griffiths; Furlong, O'Shea, Ajayi, Townsend; Yokuslu, Molumby, Wallace, Swift, Albrighton; Dike

Huddersfield Town possible starting lineup:

Vaclik; Pearson, Helik, Lees, Ruffels; Rudoni, Hogg, Koroma, Diarra, Jackson; Waghorn

We say: West Bromwich Albion 2-0 Huddersfield Town

Although West Brom did not rack up the goals against Wigan on Tuesday, their display - for the most part - was commanding, and they should be confident of beating a Huddersfield side who have conceded seven goals in their last two away outings.

Previews by email