Stoke v West Brom: Championship tips and betting preview

TV: Sky Sports Football, 5.30pm Saturday

West Brom's FA Cup adventure came to an end with an extra-time 3-1 loss at home to Brighton on Wednesday but winning promotion has always been their number one aim and their chances are likely to increase with a victory over Stoke at the bet365 Stadium.

Playing twice in four days could have disadvantaged them but Albion manager Darren Moore prioritised the league game by making seven changes in midweek.

He also restricted Jay Rodriguez to 45 minutes, ensuring the 15-goal striker should have plenty left in the tank.

Rodriguez and Dwight Gayle, who also has 15 league goals, should spearhead the Albion attack and are obvious threats to the Potters, who seem to be going through a period of transition since appointing Nathan Jones as their manager last month.

It was hoped that Jones, who was hugely successful in his previous job with Luton, could click his fingers and turn Stoke's fortunes around.

But the Hatters' improvement under Jones was built on careful long-term planning and it would be unfair to judge his Stoke tenure until he has had time to put his stamp on the team.

Whether he is afforded that time remains to be seen.

Jones has been trying out different formations and players but his team have lost four of their last five matches, including a dismal 3-2 defeat at home to Shrewsbury in an FA Cup third-round replay.

Hopes of mounting a playoff push are fast disappearing with Stoke nine points adrift of the top six.

Given their recent struggles it is hard see why Stoke should be favourites against the division's top scorers.

West Brom would like to have been more consistent but they are still in the promotion mix and showed plenty of ambition on deadline day by sealing loan deals for Swansea winger Jefferson Montero, Newcastle winger Jacob Murphy and Fulham midfielder Stefan Johansen.

They look well-equipped for the run-in and can deliver a positive result in the Potteries.

Premier League standings

Recommendation
West Brom
1pt 2-1 bet365, Betfred

Bet on this game at Soccerbase.com

Team news
Stoke
Charlie Adam (calf) has been sidelined for the last three weeks.

West Brom
Jefferson Montero, Jacob Murphy and Stefan Johansen are available after being ineligible for FA Cup duty but Hal Robson-Kanu is a doubt after limping off against Brighton. James Morrison and Matt Phillips (both ankle) are doubts.

Key stat
Stoke have lost three of their last four home fixtures.

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