An intriguing match between West Bromwich Albion and Queens Park Rangers kicks off the latest round of fixtures in the EFL Championship on Friday night at The Hawthorns.
The Baggies are level with Fulham on points for second place in the table, but trail the Londoners on goal difference. They recently drew 1-1 with Preston North End, their third successive stalemate.
QPR are winless in three and sit eighth in the table, their latest defeat coming at home to Bristol City. The Hoops did advance to the fourth round of the Carabao Cup with a penalty shootout victory over Everton.
Team news
Kean Bryan could feature for West Brom after signing for the Baggies earlier this month, he is yet to feature but has been in training building up fitness.
Fellow defender Matt Clarke is progressing in his recovery from a hamstring injury, but is unlikely to feature. Centre-back Dara O'Shea is a long-term absence after sustaining a fractured ankle while on international duty.
Defender Sam McCallum could be a doubt for QPR after he limped off the pitch during the penalty shootout win against Everton. Midfielder Luke Amos could also feature for the Hoops after coming on as a second-half substitute in the cup tie as he made his return from a cruciate ligament injury.
Striker Charlie Austin could also make his case to lead the line after scoring two goals and a penalty midweek.
Predicted lineups
West Bromwich Albion: Johnstone; Townsend, Bartley, Ajayi; Reach, Mowatt, Livermore, Furlong; Diangana, Phillips; Robinson
Queens Park Rangers: Dieng; Dickie, De Wijs, Barbett; McCallum, Dozzell, Johansen, Odubajo; Chair, Willock; Austin
Ones to watch
His pass out from the back under little pressure led to Preston's goal. He made up for it by being in the right place at the back post to score his second of the season. Still one of West Brom's most dangerous players in attack.
Chris Willock
The midfielder has been one of QPR's standout players so far this season and he delivered another fine performance in the defeat to Bristol City with several dangerous deliveries into the box and was a constant problem for the Robins’ defence.
Previous meetings
The Baggies are unbeaten in their last four matchups against the Hoops. Their last meeting came in the finale of the 2020/21 season when a 2-2 draw was enough to clinch promotion to the top flight for West Brom.
Ryan Manning gave QPR the lead when he beat Sam Johnstone into the bottom left corner. Grady Diangana levelled a minute from halftime and he assisted on Callum Robinson's goal in the 49th minute.
Eberechi Eze equalized for the Hoops just after the hour mark, but it wasn't enough to spoil West Brom's promotion party.
How to watch
The match will be shown on Sky Sports and Sky Sports Football. Coverage begins at 19:30 BST with kick-off set for 20:00.
If you are unable to watch the game, you can follow live minute-by-minute text updates here on VAVEL.