West Brom vs Preston North End Prediction, lineups, betting tips & odds

The visitors will be looking to bridge the gap between their opponents.

West Bromwich Albion will host Preston North End at The Hawthorns on January 1 in a key EFL Championship Round 25 matchup.

The Baggies are looking to build on their solid form at home, where they’ve been tough to beat this season. Preston, on the other hand, will hope to spring a surprise and climb the table, but they face a formidable challenge against a team heavily favoured to take all three points.

West Brom are sitting in 8th position with just one point away from the 6th position, while Preston are stuck in the middle of the table. This clash has promise to bring fireworks.

Kick-off

Wednesday, January 1, 3 pm UK (8:30 pm IST)

Location: The Hawthorns

Form

West Brom (in the Championship): W-L-W-L-D

Preston (in the Championship): W-D-L-W-W

Players to watch

Karlan Grant (West Bromwich Albion)

Karlan Grant has been pivotal for West Brom in 2024, tallying six goals and two assists in 23 Championship appearances. His versatility across left midfield, centre-forward, and left-winger roles has been instrumental in their promotion push. He also scored just before half-time to secure a 1-1 draw for West Brom at Sheffield United.

Karlan Grant finds the equaliser for West Brom 💪 pic.twitter.com/pOCDphja1n

— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) December 29, 2024

Sam Greenwood (Preston North End)

Sam Greenwood has been a vital asset for Preston North End in 2024, contributing five goals and two assists in 20 Championship appearances. His versatility across attacking roles has been crucial, adding creativity and firepower to the team. Greenwood’s consistency and impact in the final third have made him a standout performer in Preston’s campaign.

Preston hit straight back! Sam Greenwood from the spot.Follow live scores: https://t.co/eM7cNhGVkt pic.twitter.com/Gwn5OvdS8s

— Sky Bet Championship (@SkyBetChamp) December 29, 2024

Match facts

• Both teams have just lost once in the last three games
• West Brom have conceded just 19 goals while Preston have conceded 30 goals
• West Brom have scored 28 goals and Preston 26 goals

West Bromwich Albion vs. Preston North End: Betting tips & odds

• Tip 1: West Brom to win- 10/11 QuinnBet
• Tip 2: Grant to score- 3/1 bet365
• Tip 3: Over 2 goals- 13/10 Star Sports

Injury and team news

West Bromwich Albion head into the clash with a few notable absentees. Daryl Dike remains sidelined with an Achilles tendon injury until mid-January, while Semi Ajayi is out with a leg injury, expected back in early January. Mason Holgate could return soon, as his groin injury is reported to need just a few more days of recovery.

Preston North End, on the other hand, enjoy a clean bill of health, giving them the advantage of a full-strength squad. This could be a critical factor as they look to upset the odds at The Hawthorns.

Head-to-head

Games: 11

West Brom: 7

Preston: 2

Draws: 2

Predicted lineups

West Bromwich Albion (4-2-3-1)

Palmer; Furlong, Bartley, Heggem, Styles; Molumby, Diakite; Fellows, Ahearne-Grant, Johnston; Maja

Preston North End (3-4-1-2)

Woodman; Storey, Whatmough, Hughes; Bowler, Thordarson, McCann, Kesler-Hayden; Keane; Jakobsen, Greenwood

Match prediction

Albion are strong favourites thanks to their consistency and home advantage. However, Preston’s underdog status could spur them on for an upset, especially if they can exploit any lapses in the Baggies’ defence. But we predict the home side to scrap out a win.

Prediction: West Brom 2 – 1 Preston North End

Telecast

India – FanCode

UK – Sky Sports Football

US – CBS Sports Network, Paramount+

Nigeria – No Telecast

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