The Baggies have four points from a possible six in the Championship after their point against Leeds United added to their 3-1 win over QPR on the opening day. As for the hosts, Stoke won against Coventry City in their first game thanks to a Lewis Baker effort but were on the receiving end of a 3-0 defeat to Watford last Saturday.
Last season these two sides played to a draw both home and away. It was a 1-1 draw at the Hawthorns in December 2023, and then in April, the two shared the spoils again with two goals apiece.
Grady Diangana’s appearance last weekend was a welcomed boost. He suffered an injury during pre-season but has got his fitness levels up to the required standard needed to play in the Championship. The 26-year-old made a five minute cameo off the bench and will be hungry for more.
Club captain Jed Wallace was in a similar situation to Diangana. The 30-year-old missed the first two games against QPR and Fleetwood Town, but had 15-minutes of game time last Saturday.
Daryl Dike is West Brom’s only major concern, and he hasn’t been available for six months. He is out with an Achilles injury, and isn’t expected to return to action until the New Year.
Andre Vidigal was an unused substitute against Coventry City in their opening game but wasn’t in the squad for their games against Carlisle United and Watford. According to Stoke Live, the 26-year-old limped off for the Potters in their under-21s match with Wrexham. He was due to start against the Cumbrians in the Carabao Cup, but picked up a knock in training.
Ryan Mmaee also featured for the under-21s, and played a half after a 15-minute cameo away at Watford last weekend. The 26-year-old was absent throughout the whole of April last season, and had tonsillitis during pre-season, but after netting for the under-21s this week, he might come in to Steven Schumacher’s thinking.
Sam Gallagher signed from Blackburn Rovers in the summer but has yet to make his debut for his new club. In early August he was substituted after a ‘stiff calf’ and has yet to feature in any of their opening three games.
Centre-back Michael Rose is unavailable after picking up an ankle injury during pre-season. He is expected to be out from between eight to 10 weeks and that was at the end of July.
About The Author
