West Bromwich Albion will be looking to start 2026 on a positive note as they travel to face Swansea City this weekend, fresh from ending 2025 with a crucial victory over Queens Park Rangers.
Baggies Seek Road Improvement in Wales
The win at home to QPR provided a welcome boost, but the scale of the task facing Ryan Mason's side remains significant if they are to reignite their promotion ambitions. The stark contrast in their form is a major concern. While the Hawthorns has been a fortress this season with six wins, four draws, and just two defeats, their performances on the road have been dismal.
Away from home, the Baggies have managed a paltry nine points from a possible 36 this campaign. This weekend's fixture in south-west Wales against a struggling Swansea presents a prime opportunity to begin rectifying that poor record.
Predicted West Bromwich Albion Starting Eleven
We anticipate three alterations to the side that secured three points last time out, as Mason looks to inject fresh impetus for this away challenge.
Goalkeeper and Defence
GK: Joe Wildsmith is expected to continue between the posts. The goalkeeper has moved ahead of Josh Griffiths in the selection hierarchy in recent weeks.
RB: George Campbell, a summer signing, should retain his place. The defender scored his maiden goal for the club in the recent 2-1 win against Bristol City and is growing in confidence.
CB: Nat Phillips has been a mainstay in defence for much of the season and also found the net against Bristol City. His position appears secure.
CB: Chris Mepham is tipped for a recall. The Wales international was surprisingly benched last time out, with Charlie Taylor filling in centrally. Mepham could be restored in a key defensive change.
LB: Callum Styles is likely to keep his spot. The versatile 25-year-old has been a near-ever-present this term and played his part in the weekend's vital win.
Midfield and Attack
CM: Jayson Molumby is in line to make his 19th league appearance of the season. The Republic of Ireland international, who has one goal this term, is predicted to replace Ousmane Diakité following the latter's own goal.
CM: Alex Mowatt should start for the second consecutive match. The experienced midfielder's energy and leadership qualities will be vital in the engine room.
CAM: Isaac Price is forecast to come into the side, replacing Karlan Grant in another change. The Northern Ireland international, with five goals this season, needs to be influential if Albion are to succeed on their travels.
RM: Mikey Johnston remains one of the Championship's most creative forces and will be a key outlet on the flank, tasked with supplying the forwards.
LM: Samuel Iling-Junior should continue on the opposite wing. The loanee from Aston Villa offers significant pace and direct running.
ST: Aune Heggebo leads the line. After a slow adaptation period, the striker is now finding consistency, with eight goals to his name this campaign, keeping last season's top scorer Josh Maja out of contention.
A Critical Test of Away Resolve
This fixture represents more than just another Championship match for West Brom. It is a direct test of their ability to translate their solid home performances into results on the road. Facing a Swansea side also in need of points, the match promises to be a tightly contested affair. The predicted changes, bringing in Molumby, Mepham, and Price, suggest Mason is seeking a blend of defensive solidity and attacking intent to finally crack their away-day woes. A positive result in Wales would provide a genuine platform for the Baggies to build upon in the new year.
