WEST BROM and Leeds United have a lot of work if they are to win automatic promotion this season from the Championship.
But both are in the play-offs zone as fourth and fifth meet at The Hawthorns in a tasty Friday night encounter,
Leeds are currently eight points off the automatic promotion spots, but things can change so quickly in English football's second tier. WBA are even further behind in fifth and have 14 points to make up on the Tractor Boys.
The Yorkshire side had been on an upward curve and looked certain to make a real go of getting into the top two after a statement 4-0 thrashing of Ipswich at Elland Road.
But the uncertainty of this league was then summed up when Daniel Farke's side went to Preston on Boxing Day and lost 2-1 to a side who had been struggling themselves, although having keeper Illan Meslier sent off didn't help.
The Baggies go into this on the back of a win against Norwich City and they needed that after a spell where they lost three games in five.
They are the fifth best team in home form and Leeds are fourth best away from home, which is surprising given they have lost five of their 12 games away.
How the bookies view it
Leeds aee favourites here despite being away from home at 5/4 with Coral.
West Brom can be backed at 11/5 with bet365 and the draw is 23/10 with Paddy Power.
Recent head to heads
This is their second meeting of the season and they shared the points at Elland Road in a 1-1 draw.
But Leeds enjoy playing West Brom – they are unbeaten in the last six meetings between the teams.
Players to watch
Brandon Thomas-Asante netted the winner against Norwich which was his third goal in five games and his eighth of a season. Not a bad return. He is 5/2 to score anytime with Coral.
Dutch ace Crysencio Summerville has been vital for Leeds this season and his penalty against Ipswich was his 11th of the season. He;s scored five goals in his last eight games and is bang on form. He is 13/5 to score anytime with Paddy Power.
Anything else catch the eye?
Leeds seem to be heading in the right direction and can get three points in the Midlands to signal their automatic promotion intentions.
That 4-0 win against Ipswich was a sure sign of how good they can be and although they lost at Preston this week, getting your keeper sent off is a decent excuse.
They are also the only side to have won at leaders Leicester this season so they can do it away too.
This England Championship match between West Bromwich Albion and Leeds United will be played on Dec 29, 2023 and kick off at 20:15. Check below for our tipsters best West Bromwich Albion vs Leeds United prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
