Preston vs West Brom predictions: Draw-prone Baggies need a safety net

Simon Barlow

Spotlight

Carlos Corberan's West Brom's play-off hopes have been hit by a run of eight draws in nine games, with only one win

- Preston have failed to win any of their last seven Championship matches
- West Brom have won four and drawn four of their nine away league games
- Recommended Bet: West Brom Draw no Bet

West Brom aim to continue their nine-game unbeaten run when they visit struggling Preston at Deepdale in Saturday's Championship clash.

The Baggies’ last taste of defeat in the league came against Middlesbrough in early October, though eight draws in the period since have somewhat stunted their promotion push.

Carlos Corberan’s side currently sit seventh, just outside the play-off places on goal difference.

Meanwhile, Preston's worrying form has seen them slide down to 19th place as they sit only two points clear of the relegation zone. The Lilywhites are winless in their last seven Championship matches, including their last four at home.

Team news

Preston will be without goalkeeper Freddie Woodman, who was sent off in their midweek draw at Stoke. Veteran David Cornell, who has started only two Championship games in his career, is expected to deputise between the posts.

Paul Heckingbottom may look to freshen up his attacking options after Tuesday’s goalless draw in the Potteries.

Forwards Will Keane and Emil Riis Jakobsen are pushing for starts with Milutin Osmajic a candidate to make way despite only recently returning from an eight-game ban.

Ryan Ledson and Ali McCann, who is available again after suspension, are options to come into midfield but Mads Frokjaer could miss out again with a sore hamstring.

As for West Brom, centre-back Kyle Bartley should be fit to start after returning from injury with a 45-minute run-out against Sunderland on Tuesday.

Fellow defender Darnell Furlong could come back into the team after sitting out the midweek game through suspension.

But Ousmane Diakite is a doubt after pulling out in the warm-up before the match against the Black Cats while Daryl Dike, Semi Ajayi and Paddy McNair remain sidelined.

The latest Preston vs West Brom odds are available on LiveScore Bet

The stats

Paul Heckingbottom's Preston are enduring a seven-match winless run in the Championship and are only two points above the drop zone

Preston have failed to win any of their last four Championship matches at Deepdale.

West Brom have drawn eight of their last nine league games.

The Baggies have won eight of the last 11 meetings between these sides.

Fewer than three goals have been scored in eight of West Brom's last 10 league matches.

The latest Preston vs West Brom odds are available on LiveScore Bet

Prediction

West Brom's stubborn defence and Preston's lack of attacking threat points towards a low-scoring encounter at Deepdale.

The visitors have been hard to beat in recent weeks but need to start turning draws into wins if they are to mount a serious promotion challenge. However, Preston's poor home form gives them a great opportunity to do just that.

While the Baggies have struggled for goals on the road, they should have enough quality to edge past a Preston side low on confidence.

In a tight, cagey affair West Brom's superior firepower could prove the difference, but it may be better to back the Baggies with a safety net given their struggles for the knockout punch.

Back West Brom Draw no Bet at 8/11 with LiveScore Bet.