The Baggies are off to Swansea for the second time in 11 days, as they face off in the third round of the FA Cup.
Swansea for the second time in 11 days and a lot has happened in those 11 days for the Albion.
We now go to Swansea with a different manager in charge after Ryan Mason was sacked on Tuesday morning after an evening storm in Leicester after another late goal for the Foxes at the King Power Stadium.
James Morrison is taking charge for this FA Cup clash in South Wales as Eric Ramsay is in advanced talks with the club and there has been a different face during training on Saturday morning.
I think there be a different line up to what it was on Monday, I expect a few young players to play in this encounter and some minutes for the likes of Harry Whitwell who is back from loan at Forest Green and hopefully a start for Daryl Dike.
Player To Watch – Swansea City
Liam Cullen is a player to watch for Swansea City in the FA Cup clash against West Brom because of his ability to influence big games and deliver decisive moments. In a knockout fixture where fine margins often decide the outcome, Cullen’s composure and sharpness in front of goal make him a constant threat. He has shown throughout his Swansea career that he can score important goals at crucial times, and that instinct is especially valuable in cup football.
Against a side like West Brom, who are likely to be organised and physical, Cullen’s intelligent movement could be key. He works hard off the ball, drags defenders out of position and finds pockets of space between the lines. This makes him effective not only as a finisher but also as a link between midfield and attack, helping Swansea maintain attacking momentum and create chances in tight areas.
Cullen’s experience in the FA Cup also adds to his importance. He has previously delivered standout performances in the competition, including scoring goals in earlier rounds, and that familiarity with the pressure of knockout ties can be crucial. Knowing when to be patient and when to take risks is something he has developed over time, and it could help Swansea manage the game effectively against Championship opposition.
As a homegrown player, Cullen’s connection to the club and the Swansea crowd should not be underestimated. Playing at the Swansea.com Stadium in a cup tie often brings out extra energy and determination, and Cullen typically feeds off that atmosphere. Whether he starts the game or comes on from the bench, his hunger to make an impact and prove his value could give Swansea the edge in their FA Cup meeting with West Brom.
Player To Watch – West Brom
Harry Whitwell is a player to watch for West Brom in their FA Cup tie against Swansea City because he represents one of the club’s most exciting young midfield prospects and could bring energy, creativity and dynamism to the side. After spending the first half of the season on loan, he’s now back with West Brom and available for selection in this cup clash thanks to recent rule changes allowing recalled loan players to feature in the FA Cup even if they’ve already played earlier in the competition for another club this season.
Whitwell’s loan spell at Forest Green Rovers in the National League was a strong period of development for the 20-year-old. He featured regularly, making around 25 appearances and scoring several goals while becoming one of Forest Green’s standout performers before being recalled by West Brom in January 2026.
His performances earned him Player of the Month awards at Forest Green and praise from the club’s manager for his influence in midfield, showing he can make an impact in senior men’s football.
Before his loan, Whitwell had already broken into senior football with West Brom, including making his first-team debut in an FA Cup match and earning his first Championship appearance. That earlier exposure means he’s not entirely new to cup football or to stepping up to a higher level of competition.
Given Swansea’s strong structure and organised midfield, Whitwell could provide West Brom with increased creativity and forward thrust from midfield, particularly if the manager wants to add fresh legs and a bit of unpredictability to break down a tough opponent. His loan experience has helped him grow in confidence and match awareness, and giving him a chance in the FA Cup could reward both him and the club by showcasing his ability on a bigger stage.
Line up V Swansea City
A few changes I would make for this cup clash at Swansea City, I have Wildsmith in Goal and in a back three I have Gilchrist, Bielik and Nat Phillips and in wing backs I have Alex Williams and Callum Styles.
In midfield a few changes as I have Diakite in defensive midfield and Molumby and Harry Whitwell in centre midfield.
I have a front two of Karlan Grant and Daryl Dike.
Prediction V Swansea City
Last time out I was correct as I predicted a 2-1 defeat over Leicester City and did say a last minute goal in the match Preview. I was gutted about the result and now it’s normal to keep getting the scores correct in my match Previews.
I say first 15 minutes we would be all over Swansea trying to find the breakthrough and Swansea would have a corner and they would take the lead in the 24th minute following a header by Kaelan Casey.
Around the 42nd minute a through all by Callum Styles would fall for Karlan Grant to slot home and give the Baggies a equaliser just near the break.
Second half there be a few changes with Ollie Bostock coming on and a different formation of 4-5-1 with Daryl Dike making way in the 50th minute.
It be a quieter second half till the 73rd minute where a penalty shout would be called with Karlan Grant taken down by the Swansea defender, then the referee would point to the spot and eventually give a red card, Swansea would be down to 10 men here.
Karlan Grant would then take the ball for the penalty and give the Baggies the lead in Swansea. Then the final 10 minutes we would look nervy with Swansea trying to get back into it but wouldn’t find the late goal, as the Baggies would get the 2-1 win here and hopefully get into the next round of the cup.
Prediction: Swansea City 1-2 West Brom
Goalscorers for Swansea City: Kaelan Casey
Goalscorers for West Brom: Karlan Grant (x2)
A 2-1 win for the Baggies this time and with Ryan Mason not manager for this one I think we would bounce back and get the win here with no pressure against us for this cup game.
I think our spell of losing away would end at some point, and against a Swansea side we should of got something out of 11 days ago I think we would have revenge and win the cup game and a place in the 4th round.