Albion will look to secure their place in the top eight of the Premier League this Saturday when they take on Aston Villa, kick-off 3pm.
Sat in seventh with 17 points, Albion could finish the weekend as high as fifth should they seal all three points at Villa Park.
With just two defeat to their name in 11 league matches, Albion are two points better off at this point in the campaign than in any other since their promotion to the Premier League.
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Graham Potter’s men have drawn their last two matches, notably picking up a point at Anfield having at one stage been 2-0 down, but will be looking for their first league win in seven matches.
Saturday’s game will mark Steven Gerrard’s first as Villa’s new head coach, after Dean Smith departed following a 1-0 loss to Southampton.
The former Liverpool midfielder takes over an Aston Villa team who are sat just above the relegation zone, with seven fewer points than Albion.
Team news
Robert Sanchez will miss out through suspension, after being shown a straight red card against Newcastle United for bringing Callum Wilson down when through on goal.
On the injury front, Graham Potter said, "Enock Mwepu won't be available. He's not too bad but the game against Aston Villa has come too soon, so we're hopeful for Leeds but he has a slight muscle strain.
"Aaron (Connolly) has been training, his heel has recovered and he's available."
Our last meeting
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Albion were left scratching their heads after a goalless draw with Villa back in February at the Amex. Potter’s team created a number of chances, but weren’t able to put them away on the night. That wasn’t the case in Albion’s previous visit to Villa Park though, as Danny Welbeck’s expert chip and Solly March’s wonderful finish ensured the visitors brought all three points back to the south coast in a 2-1 win.
Aston Villa player to watch
𝗟𝗕𝟯𝟭 has recorded two assists and scored one goal in 𝟭𝟯𝟭 minutes of Premier League football so far this season.
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) October 28, 2021
More to come, @LeonBailey. ⚡ pic.twitter.com/PJnqgTEyMZ
Danny Ings, Emi Buendia and Leon Bailey were all brought into replace Jack Grealish, following the England international’s departure to Manchester City. While the acquisitions of Ings and Buendia are certainly impressive, the arrival of Jamaica international Bailey is the one who may well prove to be the shrewdest capture of the three. Signed from Bayer Leverkusen, the 24-year-old has a number of strings to his bow including lightning pace and as he demonstrated against Everton earlier on this campaign, a real ability to find the back of the net.
Match officials
Referee: Anthony Taylor.
Assistants: Gary Beswick, Adam Nunn.
Fourth official: Stuart Attwell.
VAR: Peter Bankes.
Assistant VAR: Lee Betts.