Can the Baggies deepen Preston’s crisis? Preston vs West Brom prediction – 24.10.2026
On Saturday, October 24, Deepdale will host a Championship Round 12 clash between Preston North End and West Bromwich Albion. The teams approach the game from opposite ends of the table: Preston are bottom with five points after 11 matches, while West Brom sit sixth with 20 points and remain firmly in the playoff picture.
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Preston: Alexander has inherited a team with no margin for error
Graham Alexander returned to Preston as manager at the end of September, but the change in the dugout has not yet produced an immediate turnaround. His first three Championship matches have all ended in defeat: 0-1 against Millwall, 0-4 away to Birmingham and 1-4 at Wrexham.
The latest loss once again highlighted Preston’s main problem. Alfie Devine responded to Wrexham’s opener and briefly brought the visitors level, but North End conceded again before the interval and then allowed another two goals in the second half. Alexander’s side competed for periods, yet mistakes in both penalty areas continue to punish them heavily.
Preston have won only one of their opening 11 league matches, drawing two and losing eight. Their only victory came against Blackburn on September 5, and they have now gone six Championship games without another success. Nine goals scored is a modest attacking return, while 23 conceded is the worst defensive record in the division.
Personnel problems have not helped. Liam Gibbs has been ruled out for around two to three months after suffering an injury against Birmingham. Stanley Mills, sent off in that same match, served his suspension against Wrexham and can return to contention, while Brad Potts was back in the matchday squad at the weekend for the first time this season.
Callum Lang remains one of Preston’s main attacking threats, while Devine finally opened his league account against Wrexham. However, Alexander needs far greater defensive stability if those attacking moments are to start producing points.
West Brom: Morrison’s side have responded strongly
West Brom arrive in Lancashire in a completely different mood. James Morrison’s team have collected six wins, two draws and three defeats from 11 matches, leaving them inside the playoff places with 20 points.
There was a brief dip when the Baggies suffered consecutive 1-0 defeats against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Birmingham City, but their response has been impressive. West Brom came from behind to win 2-1 away at Wrexham before producing an even more dramatic comeback against Blackburn.
Albion were 2-0 down inside 12 minutes at The Hawthorns, but Barney Stewart pulled one back, Isaac Price equalised from the penalty spot and substitute Felix Horn Myhre struck in the 89th minute to complete a 3-2 victory. Aune Heggebø provided the assist for the winner, once again demonstrating the attacking options Morrison can call upon from the bench.
West Brom have scored 15 goals and conceded 12 this season, numbers that underline their greater balance compared with Saturday’s opponents. The squad is also in relatively good condition. Nolan Galves is a long-term absentee with a serious knee injury, while Mikey Johnston remains unavailable, but Morrison reported no fresh fitness concerns ahead of the Blackburn match.
Possible lineups
Preston could start with Daniel Iversen in goal; Odel Offiah, Jordan Storey and Liam Lindsay in defence; Andrija Vukčević, Jordan Thompson, Léo Leroy and Andrew Hughes across midfield; Alfie Devine behind Callum Lang and Johnny Kenny.
West Brom’s likely XI is Max O’Leary; Brayann Pereira, Chris Mepham, George Campbell and Callum Styles; Rabby Nzingoula, Jayson Molumby, Toby Collyer and Isaac Price; Jimmy-Jay Morgan and Barney Stewart.
Recent meetings favour the visitors
The head-to-head record is another concern for Preston. West Brom have won six of the last ten meetings between the clubs, with two draws and only two Preston victories.
More significantly, Albion are unbeaten in their last six clashes with North End, winning five of them. The most recent meeting came at Deepdale in April, when West Brom claimed a 2-0 victory. Preston have also lost their last three league matches by an aggregate score of 1-9, whereas the Baggies come into this fixture on the back of consecutive wins.
West Brom look better equipped to exploit Preston’s problems
Deepdale and the urgency of Preston’s position should guarantee a committed performance from the hosts, and Alexander will demand a reaction after two heavy away defeats. However, the underlying problems remain difficult to ignore. Preston concede too many avoidable chances, struggle to recover after setbacks and have managed just one league victory all season.
West Brom have not been flawless defensively either, as the opening stages against Blackburn demonstrated, but Morrison’s team possess greater depth, more confidence and significantly more attacking variety. They have also shown an ability to change matches from the bench and respond when falling behind.
With Preston still trying to adapt to Alexander’s ideas and West Brom carrying momentum from back-to-back victories, the visitors look capable of extending their excellent recent record in this fixture.
Prediction: West Bromwich Albion to win.
