West Brom vs Preston Prediction & Betting Tips (18 October)

West Bromwich Albion return to action hoping to shake off the sting of a 3-0 defeat to Millwall before the international break. That result marked their third loss in five matches, a worrying trend for manager Ryan Mason, who has seen his side slide to seventh in the table. Despite a promising start to the season, the Baggies have struggled for consistency, particularly in front of goal. Josh Maja, who netted twice in their last meeting with Preston back in January, remains a key figure in attack, though his recent form has been patchy. The Hawthorns faithful will be expecting a response, especially with no fresh injury concerns reported ahead of Saturday’s fixture.

Preston North End, meanwhile, are enjoying a more stable run under Paul Heckingbottom, sitting fourth in the standings with just one defeat in their last nine league outings. Their recent form includes a gritty 1-0 win over Bristol City and a hard-fought draw against Sunderland, showcasing their resilience and tactical discipline. Midfielder Alan Browne continues to be a driving force in the center of the park, while striker Will Keane has chipped in with timely goals. However, the Lilywhites are not without their setbacks—seven players are currently sidelined with injuries, and three more are doubtful, which could test the squad’s depth as they travel to the West Midlands.

The tactical battle between Mason and Heckingbottom promises to be intriguing. West Brom will likely look to dominate possession and press high, while Preston may opt for a more compact shape, relying on quick transitions and set-piece opportunities. Historically, West Brom have had the upper hand in this fixture, including a 3-1 home win earlier this year. That said, Preston’s current form and defensive solidity suggest they won’t be easy to break down. Both teams are well aware of the stakes, with playoff positions hanging in the balance, and the margin for error narrowing as the season progresses.

Given the context, a tightly contested affair is expected, but home advantage and a desire to bounce back could tilt the scales in West Brom’s favor. The Baggies will be eager to reassert their dominance at The Hawthorns, and with Maja likely to feature prominently again, they have the firepower to edge this one. Preston’s injury woes may just leave them a step behind, despite their recent resilience. Our prediction for this encounter is a 2-1 victory for West Brom, a result that would reignite their playoff ambitions and offer a much-needed morale boost.