West Brom vs Middlesbrough: Preview & Prediction

The weekend sees the Baggies take on Middlesbrough for the first time since their 2010 Championship encounter.

Both sides have started strongly, getting early wins under their belts and occupying spots in the top half of the table.

Tony Pulis’ side will be looking to bounce back from their midweek EFL Cup loss to Northampton and with new signing Brendan Galloway now joining up with the squad, the Baggies look a force to be reckoned with.

Despite a defeat last weekend to a strong looking Everton side, an opening day victory to Crystal Palace thanks to Salomon Rondon’s goal should stand them in good stead ahead of Sunday’s game.

Middlesbrough also suffered a midweek defeat at the hands of Fulham, despite a strong start in the Premier League.

Alvaro Negrado looks to be in fine form as Aitor Karanka’s side can take plenty of positives from last weekend’s derby victory at the Stadium of Light.

They will be looking to finish well ahead of the upcoming international break and build on their current position of sixth in English football’s top-flight.

Middlesbrough captain George Friend (centre) celebrates last weekend’s victory at Sunderland – Photo: Mark Leech / Offside.

Team News:

Johnny Evans missed the Baggies’ mid-week trip to Northampton with a knock, but should be fit for Saturday’s game.

However, Chris Brunt is still struggling with a knee problem sustained in March.

Grant Leadbitter remains sidelined for Boro following surgery on a hernia over the summer, while James Husband has also undergone surgery but for a shoulder problem.

Fabio has also been ruled out of the game with a knee injury, however George Friend looks more likely to be fit despite being forced off in the mid-week cup fixture with Fulham.

League Positions: West Brom – 9th; Middlesbrough – 6th
Last Meeting: West Brom 2-0 Middlesbrough (17th April 2010)
League Form: West Brom – DDWLL; Middlesbrough – DDDWL
Key Men: West Brom – Salomon Rondon, Middlesbrough – Alvaro Negredo
Shoot Says: West Brom 1-1 Middlesbrough