West Brom will hope to make it two wins from two over the festive period as they host Leeds United at The Hawthorn's in the EFL Championship. The Baggies claimed a narrow 1-0 win over Norwich City on Boxing Day with Brandon Thomas-Asante scoring his eigth goal of the campaign, equalling his record from the whole of the 2022/23 campaign.
Carlos Corberan's side strengthened their pursuit of a play-off spot, and are three points ahead of Hull City with a vastly superior goal difference, and so a defeat to the Whites wouldn't knock them out of the top six. West Brom are six points behind Leeds ahead of the clash and a win would go a big way towards narrowing the gap on the top four, who have created some distance between themselves and those below them.
Leeds suffered a 2-1 defeat last time out to Preston North End in which Illan Meslier was sent off. The French goalkeeper had an altercation with Millutin Osmajic, who went down clutching his face. Meslier received a red, and despite Daniel Farke disputing the decision in his post-match press conference, now looks set to miss out. Former Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United goalkeeper Karl Darlow is expected to deputise in Meslier's absence.
The previous meeting between the two was a 1-1 draw at Elland Road. Brandon Thomas-Asante scored in controversial circumstances, but his opener was cancelled out by Luke Ayling, however the latter isn't expected to play this time around. Kick-off is at 20.15 pm, and will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football.
West Brom have no fresh injury concerns, but Leeds have been forced into giving second-choice goalkeeper Darlow a chance now. Here's the latest injury and team news ahead of West Brom versus Leeds United on Friday, December 29.
1. Daryl Dike - doubt
He's been out for most of the year with an Achilles tendon tear. A return during the festive period was suggested, but he wasn't in the squad on Boxing Day. Photo: Getty Images
2. Daryl Dike (West Brom) - out
Carlos Corberan said on December 22: "We will see when we can add him to the squad. The faster the better. There are possibilities. “If you tell me we can’t have him against Middlesbrough and Norwich neither, then I will try my best to have him against Leeds, or if not then Swansea. “That is my dream but maybe not the real situation. Day-by-day, so let’s see. If not, it will be January. When? The faster the better. Photo: Getty Images
3. Stuart Dallas - out
The Northern Ireland international is still working his way back to fitness after a serious leg injury back in 2022. Photo: Getty Images
4. Stuart Dallas - out (continued)
Dr Rajpal Brar, a doctor in Physical Therapy, said on December 27:" “If he’s returning to matches in January, then his training will be a gradual progression from individual to partial to full group training which is unlikely to happen this week. “The extended absence and very serious nature of the injury make it even more paramount that his training progression is methodical. “Having setbacks in his rehabilitation certainly has not helped.“ Photo: Getty Images