West Bromwich Albion are seeking their first win under new management when they face Frank Lampard’s Coventry City on Saturday
West Bromwich Albion’s search for stability continues on Saturday as Coventry City arrive at The Hawthorns with promotion firmly in their sights. The contrast in momentum between the two sides could hardly be sharper.
For West Brom, life after Ryan Mason has not unfolded as hoped. Since Eric Ramsay took charge in mid-January, the Baggies have struggled to find fluency or confidence, enduring a six-match winless run in the Championship. Their recent FA Cup exit at Norwich City, where a Josh Maja goal proved insufficient, only deepened concerns around direction and identity.
West Brom now sit 21st in the table, hovering nervously above the relegation zone. While a Leicester City points deduction has offered temporary breathing space, performances suggest there is little margin for error. The Hawthorns, however, remains something of a refuge. All five of West Brom’s league victories since October have come on home soil, and they have lost only four of 15 Championship matches there this season.
Recruitment during the winter window hinted at a tactical reset. Loan signing Daniel Imray arrived from Crystal Palace to strengthen the wing-back options, though competition from Alfie Gilchrist may limit his minutes. Ramsay’s pragmatic approach has tightened defensive phases at times, but the side continue to struggle for sustained attacking rhythm.
Coventry City, in contrast, are firmly focused upward. Frank Lampard’s men delivered a statement victory earlier this week, dismantling second-placed Middlesbrough thanks to a clinical hat-trick from Haji Wright. The American forward’s treble ended a brief winless run and restored belief at a pivotal moment in the campaign.
With 18 league victories to their name, the Sky Blues have regained command at the summit, holding a six-point advantage over third-placed Millwall. The opportunity to secure Premier League promotion for the first time in over two decades is no longer a distant ambition but a tangible objective.
Yet Coventry’s away form introduces an element of vulnerability. Across their last eight matches away from home in all competitions, they remain without a win. That inconsistency on the road could offer West Brom encouragement, particularly in a ground where the hosts have shown greater resilience.
An intriguing subplot surrounds Brandon Thomas-Asante, who is available again after serving a suspension and now returns to face his former club. Having scored ten goals for Coventry this season and previously earning affection during his time at The Hawthorns, his presence adds emotional edge to an already significant fixture.
Tactically, the match may hinge on tempo. West Brom are likely to prioritise defensive compactness and measured build-up, seeking to frustrate and capitalise on transitions. Coventry, buoyed by attacking confidence, will attempt to impose rhythm and stretch the hosts with width and quick combinations. The Hard Tackle takes a look at how the clubs could line up on the night and what tactics they might employ.
Team News & Tactics
West Bromwich Albion
West Bromwich Albion continue to deal with defensive disruptions ahead of Coventry’s visit. George Campbell remains sidelined with a hamstring injury and is not expected to return until March, weakening the right side of the backline. Karlan Grant is also unavailable due to a hamstring problem, further limiting attacking depth. Centre-back Chris Mepham completes the trio of hamstring absentees, leaving Eric Ramsay short of natural defensive options. There are no suspension concerns reported for this fixture.
With Mepham unavailable, West Brom are expected to reshuffle their defence. Charlie Taylor, naturally a left-back, is likely to operate centrally alongside Nat Phillips, providing balance but potentially reducing pace in the middle of the back line. The injuries have forced Ramsay into a more conservative structure, particularly given Coventry’s attacking threat.
West Brom are projected to line up in a 4-5-1 formation. Max O’Leary will start in goal. The defensive quartet should consist of Alfie Gilchrist at right-back, Nat Phillips and Charlie Taylor as the central defensive pairing, and Callum Styles operating at left-back.
In midfield, Mikey Johnston is expected to feature on the right flank, while Isaac Price could occupy a wider left-sided role. Jayson Molumby and Alex Mowatt are likely to form the central midfield partnership, providing defensive cover and ball circulation, with Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba adding energy in a more advanced central position.
Up front, Aune Heggebo is set to lead the line as the lone striker, tasked with holding up play and capitalising on limited attacking opportunities in what is likely to be a tightly contested encounter.
Probable Lineup (4-5-1): O’Leary; Gilchrist, Phillips, Taylor, Styles; Johnston, Molumby, Mowatt, Jimoh-Aloba, Price; Heggebo
Coventry City
Coventry City approach this fixture with a largely healthy squad as the season moves into its decisive phase. The primary absentee remains goalkeeper Oliver Dovin, who continues his recovery from a serious knee injury and is not expected to feature. There are no suspension concerns for Frank Lampard’s side, and the overall injury list has shortened significantly compared to earlier in the campaign.
January addition Frank Onyeka is expected to make his second start for the Sky Blues. The Nigerian midfielder was brought in to add experience and physical presence to the middle of the park, particularly with promotion ambitions firmly in sight. His inclusion strengthens Coventry’s midfield balance and offers greater defensive coverage when transitioning from attack to defence.
Coventry are projected to line up in a 4-5-1 formation. Carl Rushworth will start in goal. The back four should consist of Milan van Ewijk at right-back, Bobby Thomas and Joel Latibeaudiere as the central defensive pairing, and Jay Dasilva operating at left-back.
In midfield, Frank Onyeka is likely to anchor the central areas alongside captain Matt Grimes, with Tatsuhiro Sakamoto offering width and creativity from the right side. Jack Rudoni is expected to operate in a more advanced central role, linking midfield and attack, while Ephron Mason-Clark provides pace and directness from the left flank.
Up front, Haji Wright is set to lead the line as the lone striker, carrying momentum after his recent hat-trick and tasked with stretching West Brom’s reshuffled defence.
Probable Lineup (4-5-1): Rushworth; van Ewijk, Thomas, Latibeaudiere, Dasilva; Onyeka, Grimes, Sakamoto, Rudoni, Mason-Clark; Wright
Key Stats
- West Bromwich Albion are winless in their last six Championship matches (three draws and three defeats), a run that has dragged them into the relegation picture.
- All five of West Brom’s league victories since October have come at The Hawthorns.
- Coventry City have won 18 Championship matches this season, placing them firmly in the automatic promotion race.
- The Sky Blues are winless in their last eight away matches across league and cup competitions (three draws and five defeats).
- Haji Wright has scored six goals in his last four Championship appearances, including a hat-trick against Middlesbrough earlier this week.
Player to Watch
Nathaniel Phillips
With West Brom’s defensive resources stretched, Nathaniel Phillips will carry significant responsibility at the heart of the back line. The experienced centre-back is likely to marshal a reshuffled defence and must provide leadership, organisation and aerial dominance against a Coventry side brimming with attacking confidence.
Phillips’s strengths lie in his physical presence and willingness to engage in duels, qualities that will be tested by Haji Wright’s movement and power. With Charlie Taylor expected to operate alongside him in an unfamiliar central role, Phillips’ communication and positioning will be crucial in maintaining structure.
In a fixture where West Brom may spend extended periods without possession, Phillips’s ability to clear danger, win second balls and keep defensive lines compact could prove decisive in determining whether the hosts can withstand Coventry’s pressure.
Prediction
West Bromwich Albion 1-2 Coventry City
Momentum favours Coventry City heading into this clash. Haji Wright’s recent form, combined with Frank Lampard’s side sitting firmly in the automatic promotion positions, gives the visitors confidence despite their inconsistent away record.
West Bromwich Albion, however, tend to show greater resilience at The Hawthorns. Their defensive structure may be stretched by injuries, but desperation for points in the relegation battle should fuel a disciplined performance. Expect a competitive encounter, with Coventry’s sharper attacking edge ultimately making the difference late on.
