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

Despite the sides being two of the form sides in the division, the clubs occupy 11th and 10th position ahead of Saturday's fixtures, albeit within touching distance of the playoffs.

Match preview

When West Brom under-performed at Coventry City on December 21 and saw a five-match winning streak come to an end, supporters may have feared that the honeymoon period under Carlos Corberan was over.

However, the Baggies have since responded with back-to-back wins and clean sheets against Bristol City and Preston North End, enough to keep the club in the top half of the table.

Given the frustration of the opening three months of the season, such a turnaround under Corberan appeared unthinkable, but seven victories from nine fixtures under the Spaniard has done more than simply move West Brom away from the relegation zone.

Corberan's side are now just four points adrift of third-placed Blackburn Rovers while many of the other teams above them have remained inconsistent.

As well as Corberan being happy with how the goals are being shared around this side, the fitness of Daryl Dike is being managed effectively with the USA international now featuring for five matches in succession.

As far as Reading are concerned, Paul Ince will probably feel aggrieved to still only be in 10th when his side have collected 10 points from their last five fixtures.

Three wins were posted in four matches before the Royals came from behind to earn another valuable point away at Norwich City on Friday evening.

Andy Carroll netted a late penalty for his fourth goal of the season and it was a share of the spoils which has kept Reading level on points with the playoff spots.

However, despite collecting four points from their last three games on their travels, Reading remain with one of the worst away records in the division ahead of facing opponents who have won four times in a row at The Hawthorns.

West Bromwich Albion Championship form:

W

W

W

L

W

W

Reading Championship form:

L

W

W

L

W

D

Team News

Having made full use of his substitutions last time out, Corberan may be prepared to name the same West Brom XI for this fixture.

However, John Swift is pushing for a recall against his former side, particularly after supplying the assist for the Baggies' second goal versus Preston.

Dike will also come into contention to take the spot of Brandon Thomas-Asante down the middle of the attack.

Yakou Meite could be restored to the Reading attack as a replacement for Lucas Joao, who rarely provided a threat versus Norwich.

Amadou Salif Mbengue is also an option in a defensive position if Ince opts to strengthen his backline given the size of the task awaiting his team in the West Midlands.

West Bromwich Albion possible starting lineup:

Palmer; Furlong, O'Shea, Pieters, Townsend; Molumby, Yokuslu; Wallace, Swift, Diangana; Dike

Reading possible starting lineup:

Lumley; Hoilett, Yiadom, Holmes, Sarr, McIntyre; Ince, Loum, Hendrick; Meite, Carroll

We say: West Bromwich Albion 2-1 Reading

While Reading will be more than satisfied with their Christmas period, their best form all season has come in home fixtures. With that in mind, expect West Brom to continue along their way under Corberan, potentially netting during the latter stages to earn a narrow win.

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