Preview: Blackburn Rovers vs. West Bromwich Albion - prediction, team news, lineups

Blackburn Rovers and West Bromwich Albion square off at Ewood Park on Saturday afternoon having both recorded seven points from their first three Championship fixtures.

While Rovers edged out Nottingham Forest on Wednesday night, the Baggies thrashed potential promotion rivals Sheffield United by a 4-0 scoreline.

Match preview

© Reuters

With chief playmaker Matheus Pereira departing The Hawthorns earlier this month, some West Brom supporters would have felt that their side may struggle for goals during the early weeks of the season.

However, the Baggies have netted nine times in three games, including four without reply against a Sheffield United side which has not adapted to life under Slavisa Jokanovic.

Despite the Blades seemingly having their own issues to contend with, full credit should go to Valerien Ismael and a group of players who look motivated to earn an immediate return to the Premier League.

Goals are being scored from all areas of the pitch, most notably from Callum Robinson who is showing signs that he can be the difference-maker at this level.

While more incomings and outgoings are likely to take place before the end of the month, West Brom and Fulham currently look a class above the rest.

© Reuters

Nevertheless, Blackburn will have a different perception of recent events having collected the same amount of points as the visitors.

All things considered, Rovers have emerged as the surprise occupants of a place in the top six with victories coming against Swansea City and Nottingham Forest respectively.

With a credible draw away at Millwall sandwiched in between, Tony Mowbray will be full of optimism ahead of several fresh faces beginning to arrive at the club.

Although Mowbray will be wary of disputing the status quo having made just one change in three matches, a further boost in numbers can only benefit Rovers in the long term.

Team News

© Reuters

Barring any late fitness issues, Ismael may feel comfortable in selecting the same West Brom players which started against Sheffield United.

While Semi Ajayi, Adam Reach and Matt Phillips are all options if Ismael prefers to introduce fresh legs, they are more likely to remain on the substitutes' bench.

Despite Blackburn's success at Forest, Mowbray will give consideration to switching to a back three, matching the formation of the visitors.

However, with Ryan Nyambe struggling with a hamstring injury, he may stick with the team which featured at the City Ground.

Leighton Clarkson, who has recently arrived from Liverpool, is expected to stay among the replacements.

Blackburn Rovers possible starting lineup:

Kaminski; Carter, Lenihan, Ayala, Pickering; Travis, Rothwell; Gallagher, Buckley, Brereton Diaz; Dolan

West Bromwich Albion possible starting lineup:

Johnstone; Furlong, O'Shea, Bartley, Clarke, Townsend; Diangana, Livermore, Mowatt; Robinson, Grant

We say: Blackburn Rovers 1-2 West Bromwich Albion

With Blackburn playing with confidence and character right now, this fixture could prove to be closer than some people are anticipating. Nevertheless, we cannot back against the Baggies right now, who should be strong enough at both ends of the pitch to edge this game.