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

Fulham will make the trip to West Bromwich Albion on Tuesday evening looking to reach the 80-point mark in the Championship standings, moving them closer to promotion back to the Premier League.

Sitting seven points adrift of the playoffs having play a game more, West Brom head into this fixture realistically needing to avoid defeat to build some momentum ahead of the run-in.

Match preview

© Reuters

In isolation, a 1-1 draw at lowly Barnsley does not look a good result for a team chasing promotion, but Marco Silva would have been relieved to see his Fulham side battle back at Oakwell.

Barnsley were fortunate to go ahead through a penalty courtesy of a foul in the build-up, and it was left to Harry Wilson to produce a moment of brilliance during the closing stages to earn a share of the spoils.

While Wilson should have headed home a winner after that equaliser, Silva will eventually see the result as another point gained, particularly with third, fourth and fifth place all failing to take advantage.

With Huddersfield Town only able to amass 90 points, Fulham require just 14 points from 10 matches to secure a return to the top flight, although they will remain with one eye on second-placed Bournemouth who trail by 12 points with two matches in hand.

The meeting with West Brom represents their last fixture until April 2, and it represents an opportunity to enter the extended break by reaching 80 points, heaping more pressure on the chasing pack.

© Reuters

From West Brom's perspective, they would have preferred an easier fixture than playing host to the standout team in the division, but Steve Bruce knows that it cannot be used as an excuse when it comes to gaining a result.

Four points have been collected from matches with Hull City and Huddersfield Town, the draw with the latter coming courtesy of two late goals to fight back from 2-0 adrift.

Although Bruce would have been less than impressed with the goals that they conceded, he would have been equally delighted to see Andy Carroll finally end his wait for a goal in a Baggies shirt.

Now down in 14th spot, the playoffs look unlikely for West Brom, but if they can post a minimum 24 points from their remaining 10 fixtures, there remains a small possibility of avoiding a second campaign outside of the Premier League.

Team News

© Reuters

Carroll will hope to be recalled to the West Brom XI, the target man potentially taking the place of Callum Robinson.

Despite the level of their performance before the comeback, the other 10 players could retain their spots, particularly with the extra rest from a Friday evening fixture.

With this their last game before the international break, Fulham boss Silva may be prepared to opt against squad rotation for this contest.

Nevertheless, Ivan Cavaleiro will hope to replace Bobby Decordova-Reid on the left flank, with Nathaniel Chalobah and Tom Cairney both options in central midfield.

Having sustained a minor injury ahead of the Barnsley game, Neeskens Kebano may sit out for the second successive fixture.

West Bromwich Albion possible starting lineup:
Johnstone; Ajayi, Bartley, Clarke; Furlong, Gardner-Hickman, Livermore, Mowatt, Townsend; Grant, Robinson

Fulham possible starting lineup:
Rodak; Williams, Adarabioyo, Ream, Robinson; Reed, Chalobah; Wilson, Carvalho, Cavaleiro; Mitrovic

We say: West Bromwich Albion 1-2 Fulham

Fulham had to work hard to salvage a point at Oakwell on Saturday, and we feel that it will be no different at The Hawthorns. However, the Cottagers' extra firepower could prove decisive in the final third, earning them an invaluable win in the promotion race.

Previews by email