West Brom Vs Blackburn

West Bromwich Albion will be looking to extend their impressive unbeaten streak at The Hawthorns to a remarkable 12 matches when they welcome Blackburn Rovers for a Championship clash on Wednesday night. 

The Baggies come into this fixture on the back of a thrilling finish against Sheffield Wednesday over the weekend, while Blackburn Rovers are dealing with managerial uncertainty following their elimination from the FA Cup in the fourth round.

West Brom’s promotion campaign appeared to be in jeopardy after Carlos Corberan’s departure to La Liga side Valencia on Christmas Eve, a move that raised significant concerns about the club’s ability to maintain momentum. However, a series of strategic reinforcements both on and off the pitch have reinvigorated their aspirations. One of the standout additions in recent weeks has been Southampton striker Adam Armstrong, who has joined on loan. He wasted no time making an impact, netting an acrobatic opener in his debut at The Hawthorns. The dramatic encounter against Sheffield Wednesday saw Jayson Molumby clinch victory with a stoppage-time strike, further cementing the club’s playoff credentials.

Securing all three points against the Owls not only strengthened their position in the league but also extended their formidable home record to 11 matches without defeat. With the Championship season entering its decisive phase, the Baggies are making their presence felt among the top-six contenders. They currently hold a three-point cushion over seventh-placed Middlesbrough, positioning themselves well for a playoff push as the campaign progresses.

While much attention has been drawn to Josh Maja’s injury-affected pursuit of the league’s Golden Boot, another player making a significant yet underappreciated impact is academy graduate Tom Fellows. Operating on the right wing, the 21-year-old has quietly amassed an impressive 11 assists this season, playing a crucial role in the team’s attacking dynamics.

Since their return to the Championship following relegation from the Premier League in 2021, West Brom have established themselves as a dominant force in the second tier, particularly within the Black Country. The current season is no exception, with Tony Mowbray’s squad suffering just one defeat in 15 league matches at The Hawthorns, reaffirming their stronghold at home.

On the other hand, Blackburn Rovers are facing a turbulent period, with head coach John Eustace attracting interest from Derby County. With the Rams in search of a new manager following Paul Warne’s departure, Eustace, who has strong ties to the Midlands both professionally and personally, is being courted for the role. There is a real possibility that he may leave Ewood Park before Rovers’ trip to The Hawthorns, a scenario that would leave the team without a manager against one of the league’s top-performing sides.

Despite their recent struggles, which have seen them lose four of their last five Championship outings, Blackburn still find themselves clinging to sixth place in the table. With just a single-point advantage over Middlesbrough after 31 matches, the battle for the final playoff spot remains fiercely competitive. Rovers will be desperate to halt their downward trajectory and secure a positive result against West Brom to stabilize their standing in the league.

Andreas Weimann, Blackburn’s leading scorer this season, will be aiming to make an impact against his former club. The Austrian international has found the net six times in the league so far and is no stranger to the Black Country, having previously played for Wolverhampton Wanderers. His experience in high-stakes matches could prove valuable as Blackburn seek to disrupt West Brom’s momentum.

The Rovers' most recent outing was an FA Cup fourth-round clash against West Brom’s fierce rivals, Wolverhampton Wanderers. In that contest at Ewood Park, Blackburn were undone by two rapid first-half goals from Joao Gomes and Matheus Cunha, which secured Wolves' passage to the last 16. The defeat not only ended Rovers' cup journey but also added to the mounting pressures on the team as they struggle for form in the league.

As Wednesday night’s fixture approaches, the stakes are high for both sides. West Brom will be determined to maintain their stronghold at home and tighten their grip on a playoff position, while Blackburn will be eager to regain their footing amid managerial uncertainty. With both teams harboring ambitions of securing a top-six finish, the encounter at The Hawthorns promises to be a compelling battle with significant ramifications for the remainder of the Championship campaign.