Championship Showdown: West Bromwich Albion vs. Leicester City
Delve into the excitement of the upcoming Championship clash between West Bromwich Albion and Leicester City at The Hawthorns this Saturday. Knowfootball.ng provides detailed insights, predictions, team news, and potential lineups for this anticipated fixture.
Stay updated with West Bromwich Albion and Leicester City for official news and announcements.
Match Overview
As West Bromwich Albion, fueled by consecutive victories, aims to strengthen its promotion bid, Leicester City stands as the formidable adversary. This Championship clash promises an intense battle at The Hawthorns.
West Brom’s Formidable Streak
Recent Triumphs
West Brom continued their stellar run in the Championship with a hard-fought 1-0 win against Cardiff City. Jeremy Sarmiento’s exceptional long-range effort secured the victory, marking their fifth win in six matches.
Strategic Changes
Manager Carlos Corberan displayed tactical acumen by altering the lineup for the Cardiff clash. Notable changes included Sarmiento and leading goalscorer John Swift, showcasing the squad’s depth and versatility.
Defensive Prowess
West Brom’s defensive solidity was evident with their ninth clean sheet in 18 Championship matches. Goalkeeper Alex Palmer and center-back Cedric Kipre played pivotal roles, contributing to the team’s impressive defensive record.
Home Dominance
The Baggies remain undefeated in their last six home matches at The Hawthorns, conceding only once during this period. With 20 points from nine home contests, West Brom stands as a formidable force in front of their home crowd.
Leicester’s Unsettled Momentum
Warning Signs for Leicester
Leicester City faced a setback with a late equalizer against Sheffield Wednesday, leading to a draw. Manager Enzo Maresca emphasized the danger of complacency, urging his team to remain vigilant.
Recent Struggles
While Leicester’s start to the season was exceptional, they have now won just one of their last four league matches. Despite this, the Foxes maintain an eight-point lead over third-placed Leeds in the standings.
Key Player Rested
Midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, a standout performer, was rested against Sheffield Wednesday. Expect him to reclaim his spot, bringing his goal-scoring and assist contributions back to the team.
Historical Premier League Showdowns
The last three meetings between West Brom and Leicester occurred in the prestigious Premier League. Leicester emerged victorious in the most recent encounter with a convincing 3-0 win in April 2021.
Explore the latest Championship standings.
Team News: Injury Woes and Tactical Adjustments
West Brom’s Injury Concerns
West Brom awaits news on Jed Wallace’s shoulder injury, making his participation unlikely. Manager Corberan might revert to a five-at-the-back formation, potentially involving players like Phillips, Ajayi, and Pieters.
Leicester’s Defensive Challenge
Leicester faces uncertainty over Wout Faes’s fitness after a half-time substitution with a dead leg. James Justin is expected to join Coady and Vestergaard in the Foxes’ defense.
Midfield Rejuvenation
Leicester anticipates a return to form with key midfielders Wilfred Ndidi and Dewsbury-Hall expected to regain their spots in the starting XI after a lackluster performance against Sheffield Wednesday.
Predicted Starting Lineups:
West Bromwich Albion: Palmer; Kipre, Bartley, Townsend; Furlong, Yokuslu, Mowatt, Phillips; Sarmiento, Diangana, Thomas-Asante
Leicester City: Hermansen; Pereira, Coady, Vestergaard, Justin; Ndidi, Dewsbury-Hall, Winks; Fatawu, Mavididi, Vardy
Match Prediction: West Bromwich Albion 1-1 Leicester City
Halting West Brom’s Momentum
While West Brom has been in formidable form, Leicester’s quality could halt the Baggies’ momentum. Expect a closely contested match with a 1-1 draw, as predicted by our expert tipsters. The prediction includes under 3.5 goals in this matchup.