West Bromwich Albion welcome Burnley to The Hawthorns on Saturday for their first home fixture of the 2024-25 Championship campaign. The Baggies, under manager Carlos Corberan, are looking to build on their opening day result and secure three points in front of their own supporters.
Burnley, who were relegated from the Premier League last season, arrive in the Midlands with a point to prove under new boss Scott Parker. The Clarets will be eager to bounce back from a mixed start and demonstrate their credentials for an immediate return to the top flight.
Team news and early season form
West Brom began their league campaign with a draw away from home, earning a point in a competitive encounter. Corberan will be assessing his squad's fitness and form as he finalises his starting eleven for the visit of Burnley.
The Baggies have made several new signings during the summer transfer window, and fans will be hoping to see the new arrivals make an impact in their first home appearance. Burnley, meanwhile, have retained a core of their Premier League squad and added fresh faces to bolster their promotion push.
Previous meetings and head-to-head record
The two clubs have a long history of competitive meetings, with memorable clashes in both the Premier League and the Championship. Last season, West Brom and Burnley met twice in the league, with each side claiming a home victory.
At The Hawthorns, West Brom have traditionally enjoyed strong support, and the atmosphere is expected to be electric as the Baggies seek to make home advantage count. Burnley, however, will be no pushovers, and their experienced squad will be confident of leaving with a positive result.
Key players to watch
For West Brom, the creative output will likely come from the midfield, with players looking to supply the forwards with quality service. The Baggies' defence will need to be alert to the threat posed by Burnley's attacking options, who have proven themselves at a higher level.
Burnley will rely on their organised approach and physical presence, traits that served them well in the Premier League. Their new signings are expected to add energy and dynamism to the side, making them a formidable opponent for any Championship team.
Matchday expectations and fan atmosphere
With the first home game of the season, there is a sense of optimism around The Hawthorns. West Brom supporters are eager to see their team compete at the top end of the table, and a victory against a strong Burnley side would send a clear message to the rest of the division.
Burnley fans will also travel in numbers, creating a vibrant atmosphere for what promises to be an entertaining encounter. Both sets of supporters will be hoping for an early goal to settle the nerves and set the tone for the match.
The match is scheduled to kick off at 3pm, and with both teams aiming to make a statement, the outcome could have early implications for the season ahead.
