Albion kick off 2025 with a home clash against Preston North End as they look to get the new year off to a great start at The Hawthorns.
The new year is approaching us and West Brom’s first game is on New Years Day against Preston, games are coming quick and thin in the Christmas and New Year period as Boxing Day we faced Derby away with a 2-1 defeat and less than 72 hours later we faced Sheffield United away and came away with a 1-1 draw, now we travel back to The Hawthorns to face Preston who have won their last 2 games in the festive period.
There is another game after this one 3 days later again where we travel down to Swansea for a early 12:30PM kick off on the Saturday where this isn’t a easy period for the Baggies as they are currently managerless and I say there wouldn’t be one until we face Bournemouth in the FA Cup on the 11th January.
Player To Watch – Preston North End
Emil Riis Jakobsen is a key player to watch in Preston North End. The Danish forward has been instrumental in Preston’s recent successes, notably scoring twice in their 3-1 victory over Sheffield Wednesday.
He scored in the reserve fixture against us in November and was actively involved, battling for possession and creating chances.
Given his current form and past performances, Jakobsen’s presence on the field is expected to be a significant factor in the upcoming match against West Brom. His goal-scoring prowess and ability to influence the game’s outcome make him a player to watch closely.
Player To Watch – West Brom
Jayson Molumby is a key player for the Baggies, renowned for his tenacious and high-energy style of play. As a box-to-box midfielder, he excels at breaking up opposition attacks, winning duels, and driving his team forward. Molumby’s versatility allows him to contribute both defensively and offensively, making him a vital link between the backline and the attack.
Has most people know he has a chant “His in your head” to the words of Zombie by the Cranberries and is known for his leadership qualities and relentless work ethic, Molumby consistently inspires his teammates with his commitment on the pitch. Statistically, he often leads in tackles, interceptions, and key passes, underlining his influence on the game.
Molumby’s ability to disrupt their organized midfield and transition play effectively will be crucial. His physicality and competitive edge make him indispensable in tight contests, and his performance could be pivotal in securing a positive result for West Brom.
Line Up V Preston North End
I would rest Karlan Grant in this fixture as we need to keep some of our players fit as we have another game 3 days after this one again against Swansea. I would play Johnston and Fellows at the wing and give John Swift a start to play behind Josh Maja.
I also give Diakite a start he didn’t play too badly on Sunday after his error that led to Sheffield United’s goal and I think the midfield pairing with Molumby was good in that game, Alex Mowatt is reportly injured so I don’t think he would start for this game.
Prediction V Preston North End
This would be hard fought clash with both sides bringing their strengths to the mix. The Baggies are playing at home and have won the last two home games both against Coventry City and Bristol City and would look to assert dominance through players like Josh Maja and Jayson Molumby while Preston will have in-form Emil Riis Jakobsen to lead their attack having scored a brace over Sheffield Wednesday in the festive period.
I think the game would start with us pressing high and around the 16th minute mark I say Josh Maja would find the net to make it 1-0 given us a early lead where we have took the lead in the last few home games of late where Maja would take a clinical finish inside the box.
I think just before half time our lead won’t last as Preston’s with Emil Riis Jakobsen scoring in the 40th minute mark following their counter attack. The first half would end with scores level at 1-1 with the Baggies looking to use the second half to try and see if they can get the 3 points.
The second half would see both teams creating chances trying to get in front, the Baggies however would regain the lead with Mikey Johnston scoring from a well-placed shot after a creative buildup on the flank. Preston would try and get the equaliser throughout the game where they would create the most chances after Johnston’s goal but Alex Palmer would make some vital saves and give us our 3rd home win on the bounce.
Prediction: West Brom 2-1 Preston North End
Goalscorers for West Brom: Josh Maja, Mikey Johnston
Goalscorers for Preston North End: Emil Riis Jakobsen
I’m going for a 2-1 win to kick off 2025 in style, Josh Maja would get his 11th goal of the season with interest from Premier League clubs such as Southampton and Ipswich are reported to pay around £10M for the striker and Tom Fellows is also having interest from Everton, I think January there could be a few players sold but I do feel we would get a few new signings our end.
Anyways I feel it would be a good start to 2025 it be a close edge game as Preston are not to be underestimated following their last two wins and would have confidence coming into this one but with our home advantage and us starting to pick up form at The Hawthorns we would edge this and come out with a 2-1 victory.