MY ACCOUNT
– Swansea are unbeaten in eight Championship matches, winning six and drawing two
– Only three of last 24 meetings between the Baggies and Swans have ended level
– Recommended bet: Over 3.5 goals
This looks a funny fixture to assess as only a win will do for West Brom if they are to stand any chance of sealing a place in the Championship playoffs, while that dream has died for Swansea, who have little left to play for in this final match of the season.
The Baggies will still be relying on results elsewhere even if they do win this encounter, but expect them to start on the front foot as they go in search of victory.
A draw at Hull last week ended the Swans’ hopes of extending their season and they may be forgiven for going through the motions on Monday.
That could lead to an open affair at the Liberty Stadium where a lofty goal tally could be on the cards.
It was 3-2 to Swansea when these two met earlier in the season and a similar scoreline could be in the offing.
Team news
Joe Allen is suspended for Swansea and first-choice goalkeeper Steve Benda is a long-term absentee.
Jay Fulton and Liam Walsh are doubts and will face late fitness tests.
West Brom have had to do it the hard way in recent months, with Daryl Dike, Grady Diangana, Adam Reach, Matt Phillips and Nathaniel Chalobah all sidelined for the remainder of the campaign.
Jed Wallace and Jayson Molumby missed training on Thursday and will be given as long as possible to prove their fitness for this crucial final regular-season fixture.
The stats
Swansea are the form team in the Championship, having taken 13 points from the last 15 available, and the agony of just missing out on the playoff could damage their chances of finishing the season with a win.
Their 1-1 draw with Hull ended their hopes last week and it came as part of an eight-match unbeaten run in which they had won six times.
Draws do not happen often between these two as just three of the last 24 meetings between West Brom and Swansea have finished all-square, adding weight to a definitive outcome in this clash.
Prediction
West Brom are two points outside the Championship playoffs spots and only a win will do for the Baggies at the Liberty Stadium if they are to have any chance of extending their campaign.
They will still be relying on favourable results from elsewhere but they have to take care of their own business and that could lead to an open affair in south Wales.
Swansea will just miss out on the playoffs but they have been in fantastic form over the course of the closing weeks of the season.
Russell Martin’s side are unbeaten in eight, winning six of those, and are the fifth highest scorers in the second tier.
They will still want to finish on a high in front of their own fans so this could still be a lively encounter.
West Brom have to go for it but that could leave them open to attack so expect the goals to flow at the Liberty Stadium.
Back over 3.5 goals at 19/10 with LiveScoreBet.
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