West Bromwich Albion are hoping to end their poor record against Preston North End when they host the Lilywhites on Thursday, having not beaten them since 2020.

The Baggies come into this fixture looking to continue a good start to life under new boss Carlos Corberan after winning six of his eight games in charge so far.

Meanwhile, Preston will aim to turn around their current slump, having lost their last two fixtures against Huddersfield Town and QPR respectively.

Both sides sit within a short distance of the play-off places due to the small points gap between the top six and the bottom half.

  • Team news

West Brom

Albion will once again be without Kyle Bartley, who is yet to make his return following an injury sustained during the international break.

The defender was in good form before the stoppage, having been nominated for the EFL Championship player of the month award after promising showings against both QPR and Stoke City.

Jayson Molumby should retain his place after an energetic performance in the win over Bristol City last time out.

The Irishman paired up well with former Celta VigoGetafe and Trabzonspor man Okay Yokuslu in the midfield so a similar partnership could bear more fruits for Corberan in this match.

Tom Rogic could also be rewarded with a start along with Brandon Thomas-Asante after the two combined for the second goal against the Robins on Boxing Day.

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Preston

Andrew Hughes returned to fitness in time for their defeat to Huddersfield, however, boss Ryan Lowe opted to leave him out to save risking him.

The defender could be rewarded with a spot in the matchday squad on Thursday.

Republic of Ireland international Robbie Brady continues his road back to full fitness after being missing from club action since mid-November.

The former Bournemouth, Hull City and Norwich City winger has been ruled out with a calf injury but returned to full training earlier this week.

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  • Likely lineups

West Brom

(4-2-3-1) Palmer, Furlong, O'Shea, Pieters, Townsend, Yokuslu, Molumby, Phillips, Rogic, Wallace, Thomas-Asante

Preston

(3-5-2) Woodman, Lindsay, Cunningham, Storey, Potts, Whiteman, Ledson, Woodburn, Fernandez, Evans, Jakobsen

  • Key players

Brandon Thomas-Asante

The Baggies' wildcard signing was their final of the summer transfer window and the only addition that they spent a fee on.

But Thomas-Asante's six-figure fee move from Salford City proves to be as impactful as any after becoming their top goalscorer last weekend.

The forward's eye for the unexpected has been highlighted by The Hawthorns faithful after two superb strikes.

His overhead kick goal against Stoke, followed by his lobbed effort on Boxing Day shows that Corberan can count on him to add firepower to their front line.

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Ben Whiteman

He has been by far Preston's best performer this season and a true general for Lowe in midfield.

From orchestrating possession play to breaking up opposition transitions - Whiteman continues to flourish.

The midfielder will be essential for the Lilywhites if they are to end their bad run on Thursday.

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  • Match details

Where is the game being played?

The game is being played at The Hawthorns, home of West Bromwich Albion.

What time is kick-off?

Kick-off is set for 20:00 (GMT) on Thursday, December 29.

Where can I watch?

The game will be streamed live for subscription holders on Sky Sports Red Button.

Audio coverage will also be available with the purchase of a match pass on WBA TV or iFollow.