On Monday evening, West Bromwich Albion will play host to Swansea City in manager Steve Bruce’s first match since taking charge with kickoff at 11 pm.
The Baggies have lost five of their six matches in the Championship, while Swansea has lost four times over the same period as they continue to search for a spark in the remaining games of the campaign.
Despite his Championship successes, there was apprehension about Steve Bruce’s ability to repeat the trick at West Brom. Since Valerien Ismael was dismissed after just seven games, little has been done to reassure fans that Bruce can take the club up again.
The Scot has picked up just one point from the last 12, the solitary strike coming in a 2-1 reverse at Middlesbrough on Tuesday. With the gap to the playoffs standing at seven points before this weekend’s fixtures, this weekend will be an early test of whether he can do it all over again.
Despite sitting 17 points above the relegation zone and 15 points adrift of a playoff place, Swansea fans are likely preparing for an uneventful end to the season.
The Welsh outfit has games on the teams above them, but they are realistically out of the playoff picture. However, Russell Martin will not let his talented squad quit on their season.
West Brom vs Swansea Head to Head
Both sides have 21 games against each other, with hosts taking eight wins while visitors with ten wins. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
- Middlesbrough 2-1 West Brom
- Luton 2-0 West Brom
- West Brom 0-0 Blackburn
- Sheffield United 2-0 West Brom
- Millwall 2-0 West Brom
Away
- Sheffield United 4-0 Swansea
- Swansea 3-1 Bristol
- Stoke 3-0 Swansea
- Swansea 1-0 Blackburn
- Swansea 0-1 Luton
West Brom Team News
Bruce is likely to make changes, with Callum Robinson among those on their way into the Albion side. Andy Carroll, who has failed to score since he arrived at the club, is set to miss out after just 450 minutes of football.
Swansea City Team News
After last week’s defeat at Bramall Lane, Swansea City manager Martin L. is expected to shuffle his pack. Ryan Bennett and Michael Obafemi are expected to return in defence and attack, respectively, but Jay Fulton and Korey Smith might also see playing time.
Prediction and Odds
A low-scoring affair looks likely, with a battle at both ends of the pitch and a single strike settling the contest.
- West Brom Win
- Goals Under 1.5
- No Score: Away
