West Bromwich vs Stoke Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, Saturday, 7 February

West Bromwich Albion will face Stoke City in a Championship clash at The Hawthorns on Saturday, 7 February. This fixture is crucial as both sides are seeking to climb the league table. With West Bromwich Albion playing at home, they will aim to take advantage of familiar surroundings to secure a vital win. Meanwhile, Stoke City will be eager to disrupt their hosts’ ambitions and snatch valuable points on their travels.

The Championship is renowned for its competitiveness, and this encounter between West Bromwich Albion and Stoke City is no exception. Both teams have displayed moments of brilliance this season, making it an intriguing contest for fans and punters alike. The Hawthorns will be buzzing with anticipation as these two sides battle it out, each with their sights set on a positive result that could significantly impact their campaign.

West Bromwich Albion vs Stoke City Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Stoke City to win (Draw No Bet)	2.55

Considering recent form and statistics, I recommend the ‘Draw No Bet’ market for Stoke City. This option provides a safety net in case the match ends in a draw, while capitalising on Stoke City’s improved performances of late.

• Stoke City have shown improvement in their recent matches, making them a more reliable bet despite not winning their last four games.
• West Bromwich Albion concede an average of 1.5 goals per game, indicating potential vulnerabilities in their defence.
• The ‘Draw No Bet’ market offers a safer alternative, protecting your stake if the match ends in a draw.

Betting Odds

West Bromwich Albion enter this Championship clash as favourites, with odds of 2.19 reflecting confidence in a home victory at The Hawthorns. Stoke City, meanwhile, are priced at 3.37, indicating a tougher challenge on the road.

Betting Tip	Odds
West Bromwich Albion victory	2.19
Draw	3.16
Stoke City victory	3.37

The draw is also a tempting option at 3.16, reflecting the potential for a closely contested match. For those considering goal markets, given the recent form of both teams, there may be value in exploring over 2.5 goals.

West Bromwich Albion Analysis & Past Performance

West Bromwich Albion’s recent form has been disappointing, with a difficult run over their last five matches. They have managed only one win, one draw, and suffered three defeats, including a heavy 0-3 loss away to Portsmouth. Their attacking output has been inconsistent, averaging just 0.80 goals per game across these fixtures, while their defence has been porous, conceding an average of 2.80 goals per game.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Portsmouth	West Bromwich Albion	3 – 0 (Loss)	Championship	31 Jan 2026
Derby	West Bromwich Albion	1 – 1 (Draw)	Championship	23 Jan 2026
West Bromwich Albion	Norwich	0 – 5 (Loss)	Championship	20 Jan 2026
West Bromwich Albion	Middlesbrough	2 – 3 (Loss)	Championship	16 Jan 2026
Swansea	West Bromwich Albion	N/A	FA Cup	11 Jan 2026

Recent Form:
West Bromwich Albion’s defensive struggles are highlighted by their failure to keep a clean sheet in their last five outings. At home, their performance has been marginally better, with a win ratio of 0.40 across their last five games. However, they have lost their last two home matches, underlining a concerning trend in their home form. The team’s attack has shown some promise, scoring in three of their last five games, but their inability to maintain a solid defence has overshadowed their offensive efforts.

Team Dynamics:

• LDLLW

Currently sitting 22nd in the Championship with 32 points, West Bromwich Albion’s league position reflects their struggles this season. Aune Selland Heggebø stands out as a key player, having scored 8 goals, which is a quarter of the team’s total this season. The lack of clean sheets and defensive discipline remains a significant weakness that must be addressed if they are to improve their standing in the league.

West Bromwich Albion Suspensions & Injuries

West Bromwich Albion face a challenging situation with several key players unavailable due to injuries. The absence of Alex Williams, Karlan Grant, and Eseosa Sule, all expected to return by mid-February, creates a particular void in their attacking and midfield options. Krystian Bielik’s dislocated shoulder, sidelining him until late March, further complicates their defensive strategies. These injuries could force manager Eric Ramsay to rethink his tactical approach, possibly relying on younger or less experienced squad members to fill these gaps.

The potential return of some injured players by mid-February is a glimmer of hope, but the immediate lack of depth in the squad could impact their performance against Stoke City. Players such as Tammer Bany and George Campbell, who are also sidelined, add to the mounting concerns, particularly in maintaining a balanced and effective formation on the pitch.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Alex Williams	Broken ankle	Mid February 2026
Eseosa Sule	Thigh injury	Mid February 2026
Tammer Bany	Thigh injury	Mid February 2026
Krystian Bielik	Dislocated shoulder	Late March 2026
Karlan Grant	Leg injury	Mid February 2026
George Campbell	Hamstring injury	Early March 2026

With no suspensions affecting the team, Ramsay can at least focus on reconfiguring his lineup without additional disciplinary concerns. However, the absence of key figures like Bielik and Grant may influence the team’s defensive solidity and attacking prowess, potentially leading to a more cautious approach in the upcoming match.

In terms of betting implications, these injuries might tilt the odds slightly in Stoke City’s favour, given West Bromwich Albion’s weakened squad. Punters should consider the impact of these absences, especially in markets related to goals scored and defensive resilience, as West Bromwich Albion may struggle to maintain their usual standards.

West Bromwich Albion Key Players

Aune Selland Heggebø emerges as West Bromwich Albion’s key player, leading the scoring charts with 8 goals. His clinical finishing and ability to exploit defensive gaps make him a constant threat in the attacking third. Heggebø’s positioning and movement off the ball are crucial in creating scoring opportunities, and he will be pivotal in West Bromwich Albion’s offensive strategy against Stoke City.

In midfield, Ousmane Diakité and Jayson Molumby form a dynamic duo capable of dictating the pace of the game. Diakité’s defensive robustness complements Molumby’s creative playmaking, providing a balanced midfield setup. On the defensive line, Nathaniel Phillips and Chris Mepham are tasked with maintaining solidity at the back, using their physical presence and aerial prowess to thwart Stoke City’s advances. Their performances will be instrumental in ensuring West Bromwich Albion’s defensive resilience.

Expected lineup for West Bromwich Albion:

• Goalkeeper: Max O’Leary
• Defence: Charlie Taylor, Daniel Imray, Nathaniel Phillips, Chris Mepham
• Midfield: Isaac Price, Mikey Johnston, Ousmane Diakité, Jayson Molumby, Jed Wallace
• Forward: Aune Selland Heggebø

West Bromwich Albion Tactics and Formation

West Bromwich Albion Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: Expected 4-3-3
• Key Forward: Aune Selland Heggebø
• Midfield Engine: Ousmane Diakité and Jayson Molumby
• Defensive Challenges: No clean sheets in recent matches
• Notable Strategy: High pressing and reliance on wing play.

West Bromwich Albion are likely to adopt a 4-3-3 formation under coach Eric Ramsay, aiming for a balanced approach between defence and attack. The midfield trio of Ousmane Diakité, Jayson Molumby, and Isaac Price will be pivotal in controlling the tempo and breaking up opposition play.

Defensively, the team faces challenges, having conceded frequently in recent games. The backline, comprising Chris Mepham, Nathaniel Phillips, and Charlie Taylor, must improve coordination to prevent conceding goals, especially given the lack of clean sheets in their recent outings.

Offensively, West Bromwich Albion rely heavily on the attacking prowess of Aune Selland Heggebø, supported by wingers Samuel Iling-Junior and Mikey Johnston. Their strategy often involves high pressing and exploiting the flanks, aiming to capitalise on quick transitions and create scoring opportunities.

Stoke City Analysis & Past Performance

Stoke City’s recent form has been inconsistent, with their last five matches yielding a single victory alongside two draws and two defeats. Their most recent game ended in a 0-2 home loss to Southampton, highlighting some defensive vulnerabilities.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Stoke City	Southampton	0 – 2 (Loss)	Championship	31 Jan 2026
Birmingham	Stoke City	1 – 1 (Draw)	Championship	24 Jan 2026
Stoke City	Middlesbrough	1 – 2 (Loss)	Championship	21 Jan 2026
Stoke City	Queens Park Rangers	0 – 0 (Draw)	Championship	17 Jan 2026
Stoke City	Coventry	1 – 0 (Win)	FA Cup	10 Jan 2026

Recent Form:
Stoke City have managed to score just three goals in their last five matches, averaging 0.60 goals per game. Defensively, they have conceded five goals in the same period, conceding at an average of 1.00 goal per match. This defensive record includes two clean sheets, suggesting the potential for defensive solidity under the right circumstances.

Away Performance:
Away from home, Stoke City’s form slightly improves with two wins, two losses, and a draw from their last five away fixtures, translating to a win ratio of 0.40. This indicates a marginally better performance on the road compared to their overall form.

Key Player:

• LDLDW

Sorba Thomas stands out as a crucial attacking asset for Stoke City, being their top scorer with nine goals this season. His contributions will be vital as they look to improve their goal-scoring record and climb from their current 12th position in the league standings with 42 points.

Stoke City Suspensions & Injuries

Stoke City will face West Bromwich Albion without several key players due to injuries, which could significantly impact their game strategy. The absence of Lewis Baker, who is sidelined with an ankle injury, removes a vital component from Stoke City’s midfield. His role in controlling the tempo will be missed, and Stoke City may struggle to maintain possession against a dynamic West Bromwich Albion side.

Additionally, the injury to Robert Boženík, who is out with a dislocated shoulder, leaves a gap in the attacking options. His ability to lead the line and provide a physical presence up front will be difficult to replace. Stoke City may have to rely on Milan Smit, who featured in the last lineup, to step up and fill this void.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Lewis Baker	Ankle injury	Mid February 2026
Robert Boženík	Dislocated shoulder	Late February 2026
Viktor Johansson	Shoulder injury	Mid February 2026
Junior Tchamadeu	Knee injury	Late February 2026
Divin Mubama	Broken leg	Mid June 2026
Gavin Bazunu	Hip injury	Mid February 2026
Sam Gallagher	Hamstring injury	Mid February 2026
Million Manhoef	Knock	A few days

With Junior Tchamadeu and Divin Mubama also unavailable due to their respective injuries, Stoke City’s defensive and attacking depth is further compromised. This lack of depth might force coach Mark Robins to adopt a more conservative approach, potentially opting for a formation that bolsters their defensive solidity to counteract the offensive threat posed by West Bromwich Albion.

The betting markets may view Stoke City as underdogs given these absences. The loss of several key players could affect Stoke City’s chances of securing a positive result, with punters likely to factor in these injuries when considering their wagers.

Stoke City Key Players

Sorba Thomas stands out as Stoke City’s top scorer with 9 goals this season, playing a pivotal role in their attacking strategy. His ability to exploit spaces and find the back of the net has been crucial for Stoke City, especially in tight matches. Thomas’s pace and precision make him a constant threat to opposition defences, and he will be looking to add to his tally against West Bromwich Albion.

In midfield, the experience of Steven Nzonzi provides stability and control, with his ability to dictate the tempo being vital for Stoke City’s game plan. Alongside him, Jun-Ho Bae offers creative flair and vision, which could unlock West Bromwich Albion’s defensive setup. In defence, Maksym Talovierov’s presence is crucial, bringing both physicality and composure to the backline, ensuring Stoke City can withstand pressure and transition effectively.

Expected lineup for Stoke City

• Goalkeeper: Tommy Simkin
• Defence: Maksym Talovierov, Ashley Phillips, Bosun Lawal, Eric Junior Bocat
• Midfield: Tomas Rigo, Steven Nzonzi, Jun-Ho Bae
• Forward: Lamine Cissé, Sorba Thomas, Milan Smit

Stoke City Tactics and Formation

Stoke City Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-5-1
• Key Forward: Milan Smit
• Midfield Stability: Steven Nzonzi
• Defensive Solidity: Two clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Emphasis on ball possession and structured defence.

Stoke City typically line up in a 4-5-1 formation, a setup that allows them to maintain a strong midfield presence with players like Steven Nzonzi orchestrating play. This formation is designed to control the tempo of the game, with a focus on retaining possession and building attacks methodically.

Defensively, Stoke City have demonstrated resilience with clean sheets in two of their last five matches. The defensive line, comprising Maksym Talovierov and Ashley Phillips, is tasked with maintaining a compact shape and minimising space for opposition forwards.

Offensively, the reliance on Milan Smit as the lone striker underscores their strategy to utilise his physicality and hold-up play, allowing midfielders such as Sorba Thomas to join attacks from deep positions. Despite a recent 0-2 defeat to Southampton, Stoke City’s tactical discipline remains a cornerstone of their approach.

West Bromwich Albion vs Stoke City H2H Record

In the head-to-head record between West Bromwich Albion and Stoke City, Stoke City have the upper hand with 16 wins compared to West Bromwich Albion’s 13, while 9 matches have ended in a draw. The last encounter saw West Bromwich Albion snatch a 1-0 victory away at Stoke City in the Championship, showcasing their ability to perform on the road.

The last time these two met at The Hawthorns, it ended in a 1-1 draw back in January 2025. West Bromwich Albion will be keen to leverage their home advantage this time around to tip the balance in their favour.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Stoke City	West Bromwich Albion	0 – 1	Championship	2025-08-30
West Bromwich Albion	Stoke City	1 – 1	Championship	2025-01-18
Stoke City	West Bromwich Albion	1 – 2	Championship	2024-08-24
Stoke City	West Bromwich Albion	2 – 2	Championship	2024-04-06
West Bromwich Albion	Stoke City	1 – 1	Championship	2023-12-17