West Bromwich Albion vs Preston Predictions

West Bromwich Albion vs Preston predictions for this Championship fixture. West Bromwich Albion host Preston North End at The Hawthorns on New Year’s Day, both aiming for their first points of 2025 in this competitive Championship encounter. Read on for all our free predictions and betting tips.

Championship | Jan 1, 2025 at 3pm UK at The Hawthorns

West Bromwich Albion vs Preston Predictions

Can West Brom Bounce Back After Festive Turmoil?

• Preston’s away-day misery: The Lilywhites have picked up just eight points from 11 away games this season, one of the league’s worst records.
• West Brom’s resilience at home: The Baggies have lost just once at The Hawthorns in their last six Championship fixtures, emphasising their strength on home soil.
• Molumby’s midfield mastery: Jayson Molumby’s commanding performance against Sheffield United highlighted his ability to dominate games, a key advantage for West Brom in this encounter.

Our Tips

As the Championship enters 2025, a tantalising clash looms between West Bromwich Albion and Preston North End at The Hawthorns. Both sides are eyeing the new year as a springboard, albeit from contrasting starting points. The Baggies, under the interim stewardship of Chris Brunt and Boaz Myhill, have struggled to find rhythm after the abrupt departure of manager Carlos Corberán. Meanwhile, Preston arrive buoyed by a pair of home victories, but their away form has been far from inspiring.

For West Brom, this match represents a critical opportunity to prove their playoff credentials after a disappointing festive run that included a single point from two matches. Preston, though, are looking to achieve something they haven’t managed since early 2024 – three consecutive wins. However, their woeful record on the road casts significant doubt on whether they can truly rise to the occasion in the West Midlands.

Best Bet: West Brom to Win

There’s an undeniable logic behind tipping West Brom to secure all three points in this contest. Despite recent upheavals, the Baggies remain a formidable force at The Hawthorns. Their last outing on home turf, a comfortable 2-0 triumph over Bristol City, showcased the kind of defensive solidity and clinical finishing that could easily dismantle Preston’s fragile away setup.

The visitors’ inability to perform on their travels is a glaring weakness. With just one victory in 11 away games this season, Preston’s road woes are second only to the division’s bottom-dwellers, Oxford United and Plymouth Argyle, neither of whom have secured an away win. Even a resurgent display at Deepdale cannot mask the fact that their away defence often crumbles under sustained pressure.

West Brom, by contrast, boast a strong midfield core, with Jayson Molumby in particular shining in recent outings. His commanding presence and creativity will be pivotal against a Preston side whose midfield lacks the same dynamism when away from home. Furthermore, Karlan Grant’s timely equaliser against Sheffield United underlined his knack for delivering in crucial moments—a quality likely to prove decisive against a leaky Preston backline.

BettingTips4You.com expert Steve Harrington encapsulates this outlook succinctly: “West Brom’s home form gives them a clear edge, particularly against a Preston side that looks lost on the road. Expect the Baggies to grind out a much-needed win, even if it’s not the prettiest display.”

While the Baggies’ interim coaching team faces mounting pressure to deliver results, this fixture offers a prime opportunity to reset. Preston’s struggles away from Deepdale, combined with West Brom’s demonstrated ability to control games on their own patch, make a home win the most plausible outcome.

Correct Score Prediction: West Brom 2-0 Preston North End

Backing a 2-0 scoreline aligns seamlessly with the expectation of a West Brom victory. The Baggies’ recent performances suggest they have enough firepower to breach Preston’s backline at least twice, while their defensive structure, particularly at home, should be enough to keep the visitors at bay.

Preston’s reliance on Emil Riis Jakobsen and Sam Greenwood for goals has been fruitful in recent weeks, but their impact has largely been confined to Deepdale. Away from home, the Lilywhites often lack the composure and creativity required to unlock well-organised defences. West Brom’s backline, likely anchored by Kyle Bartley, should have the tools to neutralise Preston’s predictable attacks.

Furthermore, the psychological edge lies firmly with the hosts. The Hawthorns has long been a tough hunting ground for travelling teams, and Preston’s dismal away record will undoubtedly weigh heavily on their minds. This combination of factors points towards a composed and professional 2-0 display from the Baggies.

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