Credit: Manh Tung - Breaking Media

James Barker

Wed 29 April 2026 8:00, UK

West Bromwich Albion have an ideal opportunity to treat Sheffield Wednesday as their first match of the 2026-27 pre-season.

The Owls haven’t won any of their last 40 matches, and have long been aware of their relegation fate this season thanks to their well-documented situation off the pitch.

West Brom, meanwhile, momentarily had their second tier status thrown back into some form of jeopardy after they were deducted two points for an alleged EFL PSR rules breach.

However, largely down to the wonderful work that interim head coach James Morrison has been able to perform over recent weeks, the Baggies once again made sure of safety with a 0-0 draw against Ipswich last time out.

West Brom go to Sheffield Wednesday on the final day of the season now knowing they’re safe, and that should provide them with the chance to get an early look at some players that they need to make summer decisions on.

West Brom should play fringe players vs Sheffield Wednesday

West Brom look likely to appoint Morrison on a permanent basis given the major success he’s had in such a short space of time at The Hawthorns, and of course, in very challenging circumstances too.

If that is to be the case, the 39-year-old will oversee a hugely important summer ahead, as everyone inside the football club try to ensure their brush with relegation this season doesn’t happen next term.

With Albion now already safe, Morrison doesn’t have to take any unnecessary risks when it comes to injuries with his star players that the Baggies will want to build their team of the future around.

Players like Isaac Price, Aune Heggebo, Jayson Molumby, George Campbell and Callum Styles; why risk a long-term injury for any of these stars on Saturday?

With all due respect, Morrison should be able to rotate his team and bring in fringe and youth talents whilst still being confident of having the quality to beat Sheffield Wednesday.

Who should West Brom hand minutes to vs Sheffield Wednesday?

This is a perfect chance for West Brom to hand some minutes to fringe and youth prospects alike at Hillsborough.

It provides those players with an opportunity to perhaps make one last big impression, and gives the coaching team and Hawthorns decision-makers a fresh sample from which they can better base a summer transfer/contract call on.

In terms of fringe senior players, why not hand starts to players such as: Alfie Gilchrist, Chris Mepham, Karlan Grant and Tammer Bany?

As for the youngsters knocking on the first-team door, Joe Wallis, Alex Williams, Harry Whitwell, Ollie Bostock; they could all relish the chance to play a full 90 minutes in the Championship.

Doing this would also add an extra layer of intrigue to the final day for Albion fans, as well as providing these players with a job audition for the 2026-27 West Brom team.