Credit: Imago

Cameron Smith

Wed 15 April 2026 19:00, UK

West Bromwich Albion are back in action in the Championship, as they make the trip to face Preston North End at Deepdale this weekend.

The Baggies have been at the centre of the Championship talk this week, with a potential points deduction looming for an alleged breach of the EFL’s Profit and Sustainability Rules.

Albion themselves have admitted to no wrongdoing, with the process currently set to stretch until the weeks following the end of the season.

For now, though, James Morrison‘s side are in desperate need of three points after a run of three successive draws against Wrexham, Blackburn and Millwall.

However, if the latest prediction from Opta’s supercomputer comes to fruition, it is set to be a nervy end to the season for Albion fans.

Multiple runs to come to an end as West Brom take on Preston

Going into the weekend, West Brom are unbeaten in seven Championship matches, with a 2-1 defeat to Oxford the only loss of Morrison’s tenure thus far.

Alongside this, they are unbeaten in six against the Lilywhites, having last fell to defeat against Saturday’s opponents in 2022.

And based on the figures from the Opta supercomputer prediction, both of these runs are set to come to an end as the Baggies make the trip to Deepdale.

Preston sit 13th in the Championship standings, having fallen away from the promotion race after a positive start to the campaign.

Paul Heckingbottom’s side are unbeaten in their previous two home matches, but they have proven vulnerable, with a 3-1 loss to West Brom’s relegation rivals Oxford back at the start of March.

West Brom need points to avoid deduction repercussions

Usually, it is very much black and white when it comes to point deductions in the EFL.

If one is to come, Morrison’s side need to ensure that they are far enough away from the drop zone, to avoid any potential complications that could arise as a result.

The Baggies have been unable to streak away from the danger zone, despite the turnaround under their former midfielder.

After superb wins against Hull and Bristol City, the three recent draws have held the Black Country club back, despite two of them being excellent results against promotion chasers Millwall and Wrexham.

Heading to Preston on Saturday, Morrison’s side are in desperate need of three points as they look to avoid the devastating consequences of a potential points deduction.