West Brom’s style of play will be extremely problematic vs Preston thanks to both clubs’ Championship-leading stats
West Brom fans will breathe a sigh of relief knowing their recent history against Preston North End going into their showdown at The Hawthorns on Saturday.
Ryan Mason‘s men return to Championship action this weekend, ready to right the wrongs of what happened in their final game before the international break when West Brom lost 3-0 to Millwall at The Den.
Albion’s record against Preston suggests they should run out winners.
In their last 14 meetings at The Hawthorns, they have been winners 13 times; most recently, West Brom were 3-1 victors over Preston on New Year’s Day, with Josh Maja scoring twice on that occasion.
Why West Brom need to be wary of Preston
It’s been a case of so far, so good for Preston.
Paul Heckingbottom‘s side has lost just once in their opening nine games and find themselves sitting fourth in the Championship table, two points ahead of seventh-placed West Brom.
Preston also lead the way for goals scored from outside of the box in the Championship this term, with Heckingbottom’s men netting five long-range strikes.
It’s no doubt been an impressive start to the campaign by the Lancashire club, who’ll be desperate to get their first win at The Hawthorns since January 2022, when Tony Brown hammered West Brom for their dire performance against Preston.
However, Preston’s strength in scoring long-range goals could help them get that victory unless Mason does something to amend West Brom’s style of play.
West Brom lead Championship for least aggressive defence
Much has already been said about West Brom passing the Championship to death so far this season.
No second-tier club has completed more passes than the Baggies this term, however, despite dominating possession, Mason’s men don’t really do much with it.
As for off the ball, Opta numbers show that West Brom also rank highest for PPDA – passes allowed per defensive action.
This means that Albion let their opponent complete an average of 16.1 passes before taking a defensive action, such as a foul, tackle, interception, challenge or blocked pass.
It means that West Brom do not apply much pressure on the teams they’re playing, which can be dangerous against a team like Preston, who’ve shown they’re snipers with the ball from long range.
Don’t close them down, and Heckingbottom’s men could add to their league-leading stat.
West Brom’s overall approach is slow and ponderous
Even on the ball, the Baggies’ numbers are dreary.
Yes, West Brom are completing more passes per game than Premier League clubs like Arsenal this season. But Opta’s ‘direct speed’ metric shows that Albion move the ball around the pitch in the least direct fashion out of everyone in the Championship.
Albion’s direct speed measurement is 1.67, meaning they have the slowest and least direct build-up play in the division. Add that to their passive defensive style, and you can see why fans have been frustrated with results and performances in recent weeks.
West Brom don’t apply much pressure on their opponents; they wait to win the ball back instead of trying to win it back.
They also take their time when on the ball, passing it about in a seemingly aimless way before they can spot an opening.
There’s patience, and then there’s West Brom patience.
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