Burnley is heading to The Hawthorns to face West Bromwich Albion on Saturday with the opportunity to move to the top of the Championship standings with kickoff at 10 pm.
A section of West Brom supporters will call for a change in the dugout after just one league win this season.
Although they can justify that argument, it should be equally recognised that the Baggies have suffered just one defeat, with their five draws keeping them in contention.
No team in the division has won more than four times in seven matches, and a few victories on the bounce will catapult West Brom into the top six.
As well as being on a four-match unbeaten streak in the second tier, West Brom has collected four of their five draws from losing positions—a clear sign that these players are performing for Bruce.
The Belgian, who has 12 points from seven matches with Burnley, will feel that his team could be in a stronger position at this stage.
Nevertheless, despite blowing a 3-1 lead against Blackpool, the Clarets responded with successive victories over Wigan Athletic and Millwall, scoring seven goals.
Kompany may have taken more satisfaction from the clean sheet recorded against Millwall than the five-goal spree at Wigan; it was their first shutout in the Championship since their opener against Barnsley.
West Brom vs Burnley Head to Head
Both sides have 14 games against each other, with hosts taking five wins while visitors with four wins. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
- Wigan 1-1 West Brom
- Huddersfield Town 2-2 West Brom
- Derby County 1-0 West Brom
- West Brom 5-2 Hull City
Away
- Burnley 2-0 Millwall
- Wigan 1-5 Burnley
- Shrewsbury 0-1 Burnley
- Burnley 3-3 Blackpool
West Brom Team News
Defender Semi Ajayi is out for West Brom, potentially in the long term, with manager Alan Pardew pessimistic about his knee and ankle injuries. Darnell Furlong should return at right-back to allow Dara O’Shea to move inside, while Jake Livermore will likely earn a recall in midfield given the quick turnaround.
Burnley Team News
Bailey Peacock-Farrell is expected to start in goal for Burnley with Arijanet Muric nursing a shoulder injury. Nathan Tella should be fit despite picking up a knock against Millwall, with Manuel Benson an option on the right flank. Ian Maatsen is available after serving his three-match ban for his sending-off against Blackpool.
Prediction and Odds
We feel West Brom will always be in the match, but we are backing Burnley to take their chances and claim maximum points.
- Away Win
- Goals Over 2.5
- Both Teams to Score
