West Brom drew with Stoke City last time out

West Brom 'handed huge boost' ahead of Stoke City clash after official news

Senior Correspondent AUTHORITY Senior football journalist specialising in refereeing and officiating; former contributor to The Football League Paper, Late Tackle, and the Premier League; University of Derby graduate. FOCUS Refereeing controversies, football finance and governance, PGMOL decisions, and officiating analysis across the Premier League, EFL, and SPFL. THE INSIGHT Harri utilises a network of officiating and industry contacts to deliver verified, expert analysis of refereeing decisions and PGMOL policy. He provides the regulatory clarity behind the controversy to ensure fans get the full picture.

Published on:

15 Jan 2025, 6:30 am

West Brom will be hoping to get back to winning ways when they welcome Stoke City to The Hawthorns on Saturday.

Recent history suggests Baggies fans will be treated to an absolute thriller on 18 January, with two or more goals scored in each of the last seven meetings between the two sides.

While Chris Brunt's temporary reign has seen some supporters ask for him to stay permanently, defeats to Derby County and Bournemouth have been rather disappointing as their manager search continues.

With the Potters up next, Albion will be keen to rectify their mistakes from the 5-1 thrashing by the Cherries, and they have just been handed a huge boost ahead of the weekend clash.

Stoke City have announced [15 January] Leicester City's decision to recall Tom Cannon from his loan spell at the bet365 Stadium with immediate effect.

West Brom boost emerges ahead of Stoke City clash

Cannon is one of the most in-form strikers in the Championship, boasting nine goals in 22 appearances so far this season, and without him, Stoke have limited options through the middle.

Both Sam Gallagher and Million Manhoef have been sidelined in recent weeks, which should damage their attacking lineup before travelling to The Hawthorns this weekend.

Of course, results have been far from perfect for the Baggies recently. Form has seen them slip to sixth in the Championship table, just one point inside the play-off spots.

If Albion are to have a chance of securing a Championship play-off spot, hoping to gain promotion to the Premier League, they need to go on a much better run.

Tom Cannon has been recalled from his loan spell at Stoke City by parent club Leicester City.

We would like to thank Tom for his commitment during his time with the Club and wish him well for the future.
— Stoke City FC (@stokecity) January 15, 2025

With Cannon now no longer a Stoke player, West Brom have a brilliant chance to start that run on Saturday, but Josh Maja's new injury blow certainly dents those hopes.

Brunt will need Devante Cole, Karlan Grant, Mikey Johnston and Tom Fellows to step up immensely in the striker's absence.

In other West Brom news, a new favourite has been named for the vacant manager job as a Sean Dyche bombshell emerges.

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