West Brom v Oxford preview: Team news, lineups, prediction, where to watch
West Brom are back in action on Saturday as Oxford United visit The Hawthorns in a clash which could blow the Championship wide open.
The Baggies approach the game on 22 February having won just one of their last four, the last outing coming seven days prior with a 1-1 away draw at Millwall.
Tony Mowbray will look to gain his third win back in charge against Gary Rowett, a man with whom he has shared the sideline on many occasions.
West Brom favourites against Oxford
West Brom approach their meeting with newly-promoted Oxford United as expected favourites at The Hawthorns, with the Baggies still perched inside the top six as Oxford lie 16th.
The Baggies are 8/13 with EFL sponsors SkyBet to emerge victorious from Saturday’s game, while Oxford are priced as 9/2 outsiders with a draw available at 11/4.
While they have looked inconsistent and shaky in recent weeks while Mowbray contends with injuries and figures out his best side, Albion still possess enough firepower to get back to winning ways.
Rowett has injected a more streetwise nature into his Oxford side since replacing Des Buckingham, with the visitors still performing the best out of the three teams introduced from League One last year.
Championship form guide
West Brom: DLWLW
Oxford United: LDLDD
Head-to-Head, last five in all comps
Oxford 1-1 West Brom (19 October 2024)
West Brom 1-1 Oxford (7-6 on pens) (26 August 2014)
West Brom 2-0 Oxford (6 March 1999)
Oxford 3-0 West Brom (29 September 1998)
Oxford 2-1 West Brom (17 February 1998)
Team news
Kyle Bartley remains suspended for the Oxford contest which means Semi Ajayi is likely to start in the West Brom backline.
Jed Wallace is now ruled out through the injury he sustained against former club Millwall, which means a potential recall for Tom Fellows or Mikey Johnston.
Mowbray may be tempted into opting for two up front as he has previously experimented with, having enjoyed the boost of more firepower in the winter transfer window.
Adam Armstrong and Karlan Grant will both be competing alongside Will Lankshear for a place leading the line.
Oxford are expected to continue with the absences of Joe Bennett, Elliott Moore, Ben Nelson and Max Woltman.
Predicted line-ups for West Brom v Oxford
West Brom: Wildsmith, Furlong, Ajayi, Heggem, Styles, Diakite, Molumby, Fellows, Johnston, Armstrong, Grant.
Oxford: Cumming, Kioso, Helik, Brown, Long, Vaulks, Brannagan, Placheta, Rodrigues, Dembele, Harris.
Where to watch
Due to the EFL 3 pm blackout, this fixture will not be televised live in the UK. Overseas viewers will be able to buy matchday passes through the corresponding club websites for a fee.
Live radio coverage of the contest will be broadcast on BBC WM.
Prediction: West Brom 3-0 Oxford
West Brom are due a win – that will certainly be a sentiment shared by Mowbray and the squad – and Saturday provides an ideal platform on which to do so.
Oxford were shellshocked by their home defeat by Portsmouth last time out (15 February) and will find it difficult to regroup against a powerful Albion attack who are expected to retain plenty of the ball and many chances.
Rowett will be happy for his side to snatch a draw at The Hawthorns but this is a chance for Mowbray to go all-out, and let his players express themselves to provide a show for the supporters.
The importance of the game is such that the Baggies could finish the weekend anywhere between fifth and eighth, with the play-off race sure to go down to the wire.