Middlesbrough will be aiming to end a run of successive league defeats as they visit The Hawthorns to face West Bromwich Albion in this EFL Championship encounter.
West Brom will be looking for another victory after a win at home to Hull City in midweek and will feel encouraged by AFC Bournemouth's defeat at Preston North End, meaning they closed the gap between themselves and top spot.
-
Team news
Defender Kean Bryan limped off during the victory against the Tigers with a knee injury, with boss Valerien Ismael describing it as "serious", it's unlikely that the former Sheffield United man will return to the side ahead of this clash.
Alex Mowatt will miss this one after being sidelined since the victory versus Birmingham City, however Ismael is hopeful that the former Barnsley midfielder will be back following the forthcoming international break.
Darnell Furlong missed the Hull game through suspension leaving youngster Taylor Gardner-Hickman to deputise for him, however, the former Queen's Park Rangers man should return to the side this weekend.
Boro’s joint top scorer Matt Crooks will miss this one after accumulating five yellow cards for the season resulting in a one-match suspension.
Argentine Martin Payero should feature after manager Neil Warnock claimed that the midfielder struggled to cope with the physical demands of the Birmingham defeat, hence his omission from the team when they faced Luton Town.
-
Predicted lineups
West Bromwich Albion:
(3-4-3) Johnstone, Ajayi, Bartley, Clarke, Townsend, Livermore, Snodgrass, Furlong, Grant, Hugill, Phillips.
Middlesbrough:
(3-5-2) Lumley, Fry, Bamba, McNair, Bola, Siliki, Howson, Payero, Tavernier, Sporar, Watmore.
-
Form guide
The Baggies will aim to pick up another three points following a win at home to a stubborn Hull side.
The Tigers provided a stern test, and should Boro implement a solid prevention strategy, they could frustrate and stifle the Albion attack.
Warnock is under pressure as manager, however, they picked up nine points from a possible 15 in October and will hope to rekindle that form with another win here.
-
Ones to watch
Karlan Grant: West Brom
The former Huddersfield Town man will be aiming to continue his rich vein of form against Warnock's side after grabbing the winner against Hull.
Grant is currently Albion's tip scorer, bagging a solid eight goals in 16 games, half of these being match winners.
The 24-year-old will play on the left of a front three and can be deadly when allowed to cut inside onto his right foot.
Marcus Tavernier: Middlesbrough
Currently being deployed at wing-back, Tavernier will be pivotal if Boro are to stop the flying Albion attackers.
Younger brother of Rangers right-back James, the 22-year-old played a vital role in the 2-0 win last time the two sides faced with Jonathan Woodgate as manager.
The wing-back will be imperative if Middlesbrough are to pick up a result this Saturday.
-
How to watch
Audio coverage will be available for those in the UK and Ireland via WBATV and MFC Live. For those overseas, a live stream of the game will be available.