West Brom v Burnley predictions: Baggies can benefit from a change of fortune

Free football tips, best bets and analysis for West Brom v Burnley in the Championship on Friday.

Where to watch

Sky Sports Football & Main Event, 8pm Friday

Best bet

West Brom draw no bet
2pts 4-6 bet365

Team news

West Brom
Semi Ajayi (knee and ankle) has joined Daryl Dike on the sidelines.

Burnley
Ian Maatsen is suspended and Ashley Westwood, Scott Twine and Kevin Long are injured. Nathan Tella should shake off a knock sustained in Tuesday's 2-0 win over Millwall.

Match preview

West Brom have made a sluggish start to the Championship season, winning one of seven games, but the Baggies have dominated on several occasions and their luck may change against Burnley on Friday.

Albion manager Steve Bruce was underwhelmed by his team's performance in Tuesday's 1-1 draw at Wigan and admitted a point apiece was fair. However, the Baggies have played better in the previous six games, winning the shot count on five occasions.

West Brom have taken five points from a possible nine at home but will feel short-changed given the shot count across those three games stands at 48-18 in their favour.

Albion were particularly impressive in last month's 1-1 draw at home to Watford and will hope for a similar performance and a better outcome against another relegated side.

Burnley have undergone much change since their demotion from the Premier League and are still adjusting to new manager Vincent Kompany's possession-based style and an overhauled squad.

There have been positive signs in the last week with wins away to Wigan (5-1) and at home to Millwall (2-0) propelling the Clarets to third in the table.

However, Burnley's schedule has not been too demanding aside from a visit to Watford, which they lost 1-0.

Kompany's Clarets carrying a greater threat going forward but there are doubts over their defence, which was weakened by the departures of centre-backs Ben Mee, James Tarkowski and Nathan Collins.

Indeed, Burnley's midweek clean sheet against Millwall was their first league shutout since a 1-0 success at Huddersfield on the Championship's opening night.

Millwall lacked the composure and quality to capitalise on some good openings at Turf Moor, but West Brom may be more clinical with striker Karlan Grant and assist experts Jed Wallace and John Swift three genuine match-winners.

Given Albion's offensive quality it is surprising that they have not registered more victories but there are 39 games to go and the next one could yield maximum points.

Key stat

West Brom are unbeaten in their last seven home fixtures.

Inside info

West Brom

Penalty taker Karlan Grant
Assist ace Jed Wallace
Set-piece aerial threat Kyle Bartley
Card magnet Jayson Molumby

Burnley

Penalty taker Jay Rodriguez
Assist ace Josh Brownhill
Set-piece aerial threat Jay Rodriguez
Card magnet Josh Brownhill

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