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

West Bromwich Albion will look to continue their bright start to the season on Wednesday night when they take on former Premier League rivals Sheffield United.

Despite playing top-tier football last season, the Blades are still looking for their first win and goal during the new Championship campaign.

Match preview

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When a recently-relegated club concedes four goals during their first two fixtures of the new season, you would expect pessimism to be rife in the stands.

However, West Brom look a team on the up under new head coach Valerien Ismael, who has witnessed the Baggies collect four points from fixtures against Bournemouth and Luton Town.

After their comeback draw on the South Coast, West Brom were cruising to victory over the Hatters before two late goals put the final 3-2 scoreline in a different light.

Despite having lost key man Matheus Pereira, this squad of players look full of goals ahead of more attackers eventually arriving at The Hawthorns.

Callum Robinson already has two strikes and one assist to his name ahead of going up against his former club.

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Sheffield United could have done with the 26-year-old back in their squad at a time when they are struggling in the final third of the pitch.

Despite possessing the strongest forward line in the division, the Blades failed to hit the back of the net against Birmingham City and Swansea City.

Even though a goalless draw at the Liberty Stadium will be perceived as a respectable result, Slavisa Jokanovic will naturally have concerns about his team's opening performances under his guidance.

The arrival of Liverpool defender Ben Davies will add experience to the defence, but there will be little progress up the table without someone taking more responsibility at the opposite end of the pitch.

Team News

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Ismael could decide to stick with the same West Brom players which started the encounter with Luton.

Matt Phillips appears most likely to be handed a recall, potentially taking the place of Grady Diangana or Karlan Grant.

John Fleck could be restored to the Sheffield United starting lineup after remaining as an unused substitute at the weekend.

Billy Sharp may drop out of the team to accommodate the Scotland international, while Oli McBurnie is also pushing for an opportunity.

Davies will likely be selected among the replacements after signing from Liverpool.

West Bromwich Albion possible starting lineup:
Johnstone; O'Shea, Bartley, Clarke; Furlong, Mowatt, Livermore, Townsend; Diangana, Grant, Robinson

Sheffield United possible starting lineup:
Ramsdale; Baldock, Egan, Basham, Robinson; Norwood, Fleck, Berge; Brewster, McGoldrick, Burke

We say: West Bromwich Albion 2-1 Sheffield United

Despite their poor start to the season, you have to believe that the Blades will get back on track sooner rather than later.

Nevertheless, we think that the Baggies will have too much for their opponents on Wednesday, leading us to predict a home victory by the odd goal in three.