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

At a time when the Baggies occupy a spot in the Championship relegation zone, Luton are in 10th place in the standings after a four-match unbeaten streak.

Match preview

Given the amount of Championship clubs that have changed their managers in recent weeks, it has been a huge surprise to many that West Brom have not followed suit with Bruce.

Even before Wednesday's 1-0 defeat at Preston North End, the Baggies had only won once in 11 games, and it currently feels nigh-on impossible that they will challenge for the playoffs, their minimum aim this season.

The fact that 17 goals from 12 matches have only led to 10 points being collected has highlighted a lack of balance in this team, with only one clean sheet being kept at the other end.

As it stands, Bruce insists that he has the capabilities to instigate a turnaround, but he has recorded just eight triumphs from 31 matches in charge, his worst win-ratio of his career.

Although West Brom are only three points adrift of 18th place and eight points behind the playoff spots, only a win will likely do on Saturday if the club's hierarchy are to not relent to growing pressure on them to make a decision.

In sharp contrast, Luton make the trip to the West Midlands having only lost one of their last eight fixtures in the second tier.

Nevertheless, a 3-3 draw at home to Huddersfield Town has slowed down their growing momentum, the Terriers coming from behind at half time to earn a share of the spoils.

The Hatters have now only won once in seven games at Kenilworth Road, Nathan Jones instead relying on the efforts of his team away from their home ground.

Three successive victories have been posted at Swansea City, Cardiff City and Hull City, and a fourth success on their travels on Saturday could catapult the club into the top six.

West Bromwich Albion Championship form:

D

D

L

D

L

L

Luton Town Championship form:

W

L

D

W

W

D

Team News

Bruce will almost certainly make a number of changes to his West Brom XI, including handing a recall to recent arrival Tom Rogic.

Jake Livermore may also return in central midfield, while Matt Phillips and Brandon Thomas-Asante are pushing for returns on the flank and down the middle of the attack.

Second-choice goalkeeper Alex Palmer should retain his spot between the sticks after replacing David Button for the game at Preston.

Jones was unable to call upon Reece Burke and Gabriel Osho against Huddersfield, and it remains to be seen whether the Luton defensive duo will be able to return for this game.

However, Sonny Bradley could return to the backline, allowing James Bree to revert to his usual right wing-back role, while Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu is now fit enough to make a start in midfield.

West Bromwich Albion possible starting lineup:

Palmer; Gardner-Hickman, Kelly, O'Shea, Livermore, Rogic, Yokuslu; Wallace, Swift, Phillips; Thomas-Asante

Luton Town possible starting lineup:

Horvath; Bradley, Lockyer, Potts; Bree, Campbell, Mpanzu, Clark, Bell; Adebayo, Morris

We say: West Bromwich Albion 1-2 Luton Town

West Brom supporters are becoming more despondent with their team's performances by the game and Bruce has no choice but to go out all-out attack against the Hatters. Nevertheless, Luton generally perform well away from home, and we feel that they will do enough to condemn the Baggies to another match without a win.

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