West Bromwich Albion

Bottom side Plymouth Argyle welcome West Bromwich Albion to Home Park on Saturday lunchtime looking for a first win in 16 Championship games.

The Pilgrims are seven points adrift from safety, while the fifth-placed Baggies have lost just one of their past six (W2 D3) games and are looking to strengthen their play-off bid.

• Plymouth Argyle have failed to win any of their past nine league games against West Bromwich Albion (D2 L7), failing to score in each of their past four against the Baggies.

• After winning just one of their first 13 away league games against Plymouth Argyle (D5 L7), West Bromwich Albion have since won each of their past three such matches since November 2007.

• Plymouth are winless across their past 15 league games since early November (D7 L8), conceding 2.5 goals per outing across that period. The Pilgrims have never endured a longer run without victory across their EFL history.

• West Brom have lost just three of their past 21 league games (W5 D13), though all three defeats have come away from home during that time.

• Plymouth have conceded the most goals in the Championship this season (62), while they've also shipped the most goals from open play (45) and from corners (10) of any side in the division.

Image source, Getty Images

West Bromwich Albion midfielder Alex Mowatt says Baggies fans have reason to feel excited about the attacking football they are going to witness following the return of Tony Mowbray as boss.

After scoring just twice in their first seven home games this season, Albion have now netted 17 in their last seven.

Eight have come in the two home matches since Carlos Corberan's departure for Spain was announced late on Christmas Eve - three under the Chris Brunt-led caretaker team against Preston and now five more in Mowbray's first home game back in charge.

Speaking after the 5-1 win over Portsmouth, Mowatt told BBC Radio WM: "Tony wants us to play it forward quicker and create more chaos at the back for the other team. Get more shots off and get them defending their goal.

"We played so long in the way of Carlos, it's about changing now and adapting.

"Maybe I might touch the ball less but we'll get more chances. And hopefully I might get a few more goals. There's a bit more freedom to move into different positions."

Mowatt scored twice in the 3-0 win at Pompey when Albion were top of the league in September, and he again got the ball rolling on Saturday with the first goal on 25 minutes - the first of four in less than a quarter of an hour.

Grady Diangana netted two of them, either side of one for Jed Wallace, his long awaited first of the season. And the scoring was done by the 56th minute after John Swift also bagged his first of the campaign

"That's what the fans pay their money for," said Mowatt. "They want to see us score goals."

Having climbed back up to fifth in the Championship, Mowbray's men now have the chance to build on that.

They head for bottom club Plymouth Argyle on Saturday before two home games in five days against Sheffield Wednesday and Blackburn Rovers.

West Bromwich Albion want to sign £4.2m-rated striker Willem Geubbels from Swiss Super League club FC St Gallen (FootMercato), external

Want more transfer news and rumours from the EFL? Read Monday's gossip column here.

Image source, Rex Features

West Bromwich Albion boss Tony Mowbray spoke to BBC Radio WM after his side convincingly beat relegation threatened Portsmouth 5-1 to move up to fifth in the table.

"The first 20 minutes we were under the cosh and were caught out a bit, they pressed really high and really well.

"When we did get the first goal it unleashed us and probably put some demons in their minds - our two wide players were so good today.

"I have to inspire my team and I don't have an ego about my tactics - I have an understanding that if I give these talented players a licence and space to express themselves then we can win a lot of football matches."

Resurgent Portsmouth head to The Hawthorns on Saturday (15:00 GMT) to face Tony Mowbray's West Bromwich Albion.

Pompey have climbed up to 18th, three points clear of the drop-zone, while the Baggies sit seventh, a point outside the play-off places.

• West Brom have lost just two of their past 11 league games against Portsmouth (W7 D2), and after winning the reverse 3-0 in September, will be looking to record a first league double over Pompey since the 2001-02 season.

• Portsmouth have failed to win any of their past seven away league games against West Brom (D2 L5) since a 3-0 victory at the Hawthorns in February 1998.

• West Brom are unbeaten in their last nine home league games (W3 D6), their longest run since April 2023 (a run of 12).

• Portsmouth have lost each of their last five away league games and could lose six in a row for the first time since March 2006 when they lost nine in succession in the Premier League.

• Mikey Johnston has been directly involved in four goals (2 goals, 2 assists) in his last three home league games for West Brom, twice as many as in his first 18 such matches for the club (2).

Image source, Rex Features

West Bromwich Albion forward Grady Diangana says he's more concerned with his fitness than his immediate future.

The 26-year-old, who joined the Baggies permanently from West Ham in September 2020 after a loan spell, is out of contract in the summer.

He has been limited to only seven starts in the Championship so far this season because of injuries and admits returning to full fitness is his priority.

"I've just been trying to get back fit, that's my main focus, that's all I've been working towards and hopefully getting more goals," he said.

"(My future) depends on the club and how they see me, if they need me, so it's day by day."

Diangana has scored two league goals but has been dogged by shoulder and calf muscle injuries.

"It is irritating because as a player you want to be in the rhythm of games but you always have to be positive - I'm breathing and I'm healthy.

"It's the past now and I've just got to keep improving day by day and hopefully I'll be in the team."

The DR Congo international was in the starting line-up for new boss Tony Mowbray's first game in charge as West Brom lost 2-0 at Middlesbrough on Tuesday.

The Baggies host Portsmouth on Saturday.

Chelsea academy graduate Harvey Vale has attracted the eye of Sunderland, Queens Park Rangers, West Bromwich Albion and Oxford United as well as overseas interest. (Sky Sports, external)

Want more transfer news from the EFL? Take a look at Wednesday's gossip here.

Image source, Rex Features

West Bromwich Albion boss Tony Mowbray is already looking ahead after losing 2-0 on his first game back in management against his first football love, Middlesbrough.

Although Albion dropped to seventh in the Championship, Mowbray is already boldly targeting six points from the Baggies' next two matches.

"We've now got Portsmouth at home on Saturday and then Plymouth away," he told BBC Radio WM.

"If we were to take maximum points from them, we'll be right back up there."

Without injured top scorer Josh Maja, Albion - who have now scored just six goals in their past eight away outings - again looked punchless up front.

"The reality is that we need to score a few goals," he said. "And that is not a new thing. It's about taking responsibility in the final third.

"Maybe it's about confidence. There was one at the end that just needed to someone to be there to put away at the far post.

"The first goal was a bit disappointing. The shot came from 30 yards out and it bounced in front of the keeper.

"Then we got sucker punched by a second goal from outside the box. But it just felt they had a bit more menace than us."

Mowbray also passed up the opportunity to comment on speculation linking Albion with a move for Ipswich Town's 22-year-old Iraq-born, Liverpool-bred winger Ali Al-Hamadi.

"He's an Ipswich player," said Mowbray. "It would be disrespectful to Ipswich to talk about that."

Image source, Getty Images

Tony Mowbray's first press conference ahead of his first game back in charge of West Bromwich Albion ranged from his love of chocolate to his love of Middlesbrough, who the Baggies face on Tuesday night.

The 61-year-old, who was first in charge of the Baggies from 2006 to 2009, watched from the stand as Albion drew 1-1 with Stoke City at The Hawthorns on Saturday.

Now he takes charge for the first time since his return back in his native Boro, with his number two Mark Venus alongside him as per usual, as has been the case at every club he has managed.

Caretaker boss Chris Brunt, who led Albion's three-man caretaker management team for six matches after Carlos Corberan left on Christmas Eve, returns to his role as lead tactical scout and loans manager.

But Brunt's old Baggies team-mate James Morrison, also first signed for Albion by Mowbray in 2007, has become the new first-team coach.

And Mowbray has retained two of Corberan's old backroom team, goalkeeper coach Boaz Myhill and first-team statistical analyst Damia Abella.

Albion are still without top scorer Josh Maja and long-time injury absentee Daryl Dike - but Mowbray's main overall message to his players (and the fans) is to go out there and have some impact at the top end of the Championship table.

Middlesbrough host West Bromwich Albion on Tuesday as they try to move above the visitors in the Championship table (19:45 GMT).

Only the one goal difference separates the sides, with the West Midlands club currently in sixth spot.

Neither club have won either of the past two league games, though a draw would be enough to take both into the play-off places if things do not go well for Blackburn Rovers and Watford elsewhere.

• Middlesbrough have won each of their past two league games against West Brom 1-0, and will be looking to win three in succession against the Baggies for the first time since April 2005.

• West Brom have won one of their past six away league games against Middlesbrough (W1 D2 L3), and could lose on successive such visits for the first time since a run of six losses between February 1991 and April 2005.

• Middlesbrough are unbeaten in each of their past five home league games (W2 D3), though they have drawn each of their past three league matches at the Riverside Stadium.

• West Brom have won one of their past 11 away league games (W1 D7 L3).

• Middlesbrough's Ben Doak has been involved in six goals in his past seven league games at the Riverside Stadium (1 goal, 5 assists).

Image source, Rex Features

We asked you what you made of Tony Mowbray's appointment as successor to Carlos Corberan as West Bromwich Albion head coach.

Here are a selection of fans' thoughts...

Raymond: Mowbray will be under pressure from the get go, given the position Baggies are in the league, that and better will have to be managed that's no easy task, let's hope the balloons don't burst, all the best Tony you'll need it.

Kevin: It's not an appointment that was expected from the club and it's disappointing.

Karsten: The head says "never go back", but the heart says yes please. Very happy that he's fit and well, and also to have him back.

Paul J: It is definitely a very good move for Albion, excellent man and great manager, I wish him all the best for his return to football.

John: Great manager. Sunderland fans were devastated to lose him. All best wishes, Tony, from the Mackems!

Dave: Very happy with the return of Tony Mowbray, just hope his health holds up to the challenge. He knows what the Championship is about and, with a little luck (that's always needed), I believe he is a solid choice for the club. I wish him all the best in returning the club to where we really belong.

Ian: So happy to have him back. A man of stature, resilience and determination.

Andy: The problem we had before was that he attacked too much and defended too little. With his comments so far I fear the same this time. Other teams will be rubbing their hands that they can get at us too easily.

Paul B: No ambition shown by the board. What is it they say, "Never go back"! How many clubs has Tony got promoted since he was with Albion? Why not talk to Sean Dyche?

Paul H: Loved his first stint at the Albion, hope he can rekindle his magic.

West Bromwich Albion are in the final stages of a deal for 21-year-old Standard Liege midfielder Isaac Price - the club's first signing under new boss Tony Mowbray. (Express and Star, external)

Want more transfer news from the EFL? Take a look at Monday's gossip here.

West Bromwich Albion look set to sign Standard Liege midfielder Isaac Price after reported interest from Preston North End. (Lancashire Post), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Sunday's full gossip column.