West Brom kicked off their EFL Championship campaign with a 3-1 victory over Queens Park Rangers, thanks to an emphatic hat-trick from Josh Maja.
The win was a much-needed morale boost for the Baggies, who had lost their previous four pre-season fixtures. The performance was a marked improvement, and fans will be hoping this sets the tone for the season ahead. As West Brom prepares to host Leeds United at The Hawthorns, manager Carlos Corberan will be aiming to build on this momentum in what could be one of their tougher encounters this season.
On the other hand, Daniel Farke’s Leeds United is on a mission of redemption this season. After narrowly missing out on promotion to the Premier League last year, losing 1-0 to Southampton in the Play-Offs, Leeds is eager to make amends. However, their season opener did not go as planned, as newly-promoted Portsmouth held them to a thrilling 3-3 draw. The Whites almost lost all three points, but a last-gasp equalizer from Brenden Aaronson saved them from an opening-day defeat. For neutrals and Pompey fans alike, it was an entertaining match, especially given Portsmouth’s return to the second division after more than a decade.
For Leeds supporters, however, the draw was a cause for concern. The team looked vulnerable, and the loss of several key players over the summer might have disrupted the squad’s harmony. The upcoming trip to the West Midlands, to face a confident West Brom side, is far from straightforward. Leeds will need to be at their best to secure a result.
West Brom Team News and Injuries
Jed Wallace is expected to miss out again this weekend due to a calf injury he sustained before the QPR match, as confirmed by Carlos Corberan via Birmingham Live. Given the timeframe for recovery, it’s unlikely that Wallace will be ready to return to action. Grady Diangana and Patrick McNair, who joined on loan from San Diego FC in the MLS, also missed the Championship opener. While McNair featured in West Brom’s midweek loss against Fleetwood Town, Diangana remained sidelined, and it’s uncertain if he will be fit for the Leeds clash.
West Brom made seven new signings this summer, and several of them featured in the squad for the trip to Loftus Road. Ousmane Diakite, Joe Wildsmith, Devante Cole, Lewis Dobbin, Torbjorn Heggem, and Gianluca Frabotta all traveled, with many making cameo appearances. As these players continue to integrate into the team, they are expected to feature more prominently throughout the season, including in this weekend’s match against Leeds.
West Brom Predicted Starting XI
Corberan’s 4-2-3-1 formation proved effective against QPR, and it’s unlikely he will make many changes to a winning side. Heggem impressed on his debut, providing an assist and showing that he could be a viable replacement for Conor Townsend, who left for Ipswich Town earlier this summer. Semi Ajayi and Kyle Bartley are expected to continue their partnership in central defense, with Darnell Furlong at right-back.
In midfield, Tom Fellows and Karlan Grant are likely to start on the wings, though new signings Devante Cole and Lewis Dobbin will be pushing for their chance. Josh Maja, fresh from his hat-trick heroics, is set to lead the line again. The Nigerian striker struggled with injuries last season but looks to be in fine form now and will be keen to add to his tally.
Leeds United Team News and Injuries
Leeds United has seen several key players depart this summer, including Crysencio Summerville to West Ham, Archie Gray to Tottenham, and Glen Kamara to Rennes. The biggest potential loss, however, could be Georginio Rutter, who is reportedly on the verge of a move to Premier League side Brighton. The Seagulls have triggered the Frenchman’s release clause, and while Leeds is trying to convince him to stay, the allure of top-flight football may prove too tempting.
Despite the fiery 3-3 draw with Portsmouth, Leeds emerged from the match relatively unscathed in terms of injuries. After some rotation in the midweek EFL Cup tie against Middlesbrough, Daniel Farke appears to have a fully fit squad to choose from for the trip to West Brom. However, the loss of several first-team regulars over the summer has left Leeds with some gaps to fill, and the team will need to find a way to compensate for the departures.
Leeds United Predicted Starting XI
Farke opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation in the season opener, and despite the defensive frailties that saw them concede three goals, the attacking performance was promising. Leeds dominated the match with 21 shots and an expected goals (xG) of 3.3, compared to Portsmouth’s 4 shots and 0.9 xG. This suggests that Leeds was well-coached but lacked clinical finishing.
Given the performance, Farke might stick with a similar lineup to build continuity. Mateo Joseph, who started up front against Portsmouth, missed several chances but showed promise. Farke could opt to keep faith in the 20-year-old, allowing him more time to settle into the role, or he could bring in the more experienced Patrick Bamford.
The rest of the attacking quartet is likely to remain unchanged, with Wilfried Gnonto and Daniel James on the flanks and Joel Piroe playing in the number 10 role, potentially replacing Rutter if the Frenchman’s move to Brighton is completed. In midfield, Ethan Ampadu and Jamie Shackleton are expected to continue their partnership, providing stability and energy in the middle of the park.
As Leeds prepares to face a confident West Brom side, they will need to find a balance between defensive solidity and attacking flair if they are to secure their first win of the season. The match promises to be an intriguing tactical battle, with both teams eager to build momentum early in the campaign.
