West Bromvs.Bristol City

The Baggies head into the weekend in eight position, while Bristol City are sitting five points adrift in 11th place in the Championship table.

Match preview

West Brom have found wins hard to come by in the last few months, having won just two of their previous 15 Championship matches.

However, rather than defeats, the Baggies have been frustrated by their failure to convert draws into victories, recording 10 draws in 11 matches before they beat Coventry City 2-0 in their most recent home outing.

Unfortunately for West Brom, they were unable to build upon that win in last Sunday's trip to Vicarage Road, with Jayson Molumby's effort proving fruitless in a 2-1 defeat to Watford.

West Brom boss Carlos Corberan will now be preparing his players for Sunday's home clash against Bristol City despite being linked with the vacant manager's job at Southampton.

The Baggies have conceded just five league goals at the Hawthorns this season, but that strong defensive record has seemingly had an adverse effect on their attacking efforts, having scored just eight goals in 10 home league games - the lowest tally of any team in the division.

They have at least proven to be a tough team to beat in front of their own supporters, with their 10 home matches producing three wins, six draws and just one defeat.

Bristol City are struggled to find consistency this season, having won six, drawn nine and lost six of their 21 Championship matches.

Liam Manning's side recorded their most recent victory at the end of November, with Anis Mehmeti netting a brace to help his side secure a commanding 4-0 victory over relegation-threatened Plymouth Argyle.

Unfortunately for the Robins, they have struggled to build upon that result in their first three matches of December, losing 3-0 in an away game against Portsmouth, before playing out 1-1 draws against Sunderland and Queens Park Rangers.

Bristol City would have been frustrated to give up the lead in both of those draws, meaning they have failed to win five of the 10 league games where they have opened the scoring this season.

They will be hoping to strike first in Sunday's fixture, as they look to end a three-game winless away run in their final road trip of 2024.

The Robins are also winless in three head-to-head league meetings since recording a 2-0 away victory over West Brom in December 2022.

West Bromwich Albion Championship form:

D

D

D

D

W

L

Bristol City Championship form:

L

L

W

L

D

D

Team News

West Brom rea without Daryl Dike and Semi Ajayi, while Grady Diagnana is a doubt after missing the last six games with a calf issue.

It also remains to be seen whether Paddy McNair will recover in time to feature in the matchday as he looks to return to action before his loan deal from San Diego Wave expires on December 31.

Alex Mowatt and Mikey Johnston are both pushing for recalls after dropping down to the bench for the recent clash with Watford.

As for the visitors, they are expected to be without the services of Joe Williams, Kal Naismith, Ayman Benarous and Mark Sykes.

Ex-QPR striker Sinclair Armstrong is unlikely to be involved after he missed the 1-1 draw against his former club due to an injury issue.

George Tanner is closing in on a return to action, but it is unclear whether the defender will prove his fitness in time for Sunday's away trip.

West Bromwich Albion possible starting lineup:

Palmer; Furlong, Holgate, Bartley, Heggem; Fellows, Molumby, Mowatt, Johnston; Grant, Maja

Bristol City possible starting lineup:

O'Leary; Vyner, Dickie, McNally, Pring; Bird, Knight; Hirakawa, Twine, Mehmeti; Wells

We say: West Bromwich Albion 1-1 Bristol City

Written by

Ben Sully

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