West Bromwich Albion v City: play-off chase meets mid-table reset | OneFootball

West Bromwich Albion host Bristol City in the Championship at The Hawthorns on Friday, 26 December 2025, with the visitors chasing the play-off places and the hosts looking to haul themselves up from 16th.

West Bromwich Albion have tended to enjoy this fixture at home, winning 2-0 here in December 2024 and March 2024, though Bristol City edged the most recent meeting 2-1 in April.

The hosts have won two of their last five, including a clean sheet against Sheffield United, but three defeats in that spell underline their inconsistency. City have split their last five, and a 2-0 victory over Middlesbrough last time out keeps the momentum going.

Ryan Mason is without Jed Wallace, Alex Mowatt, Krystian Bielik and Toby Collyer through injury, while Alfie Gilchrist is suspended. For the visitors, Harry Cornick is suspended and Joseph Williams, Mark Sykes, Max Bird, Luke McNally and goalkeeper Radek Vítek are sidelined.

West Bromwich Albion average 52% possession with 82.41% pass accuracy and have five headed goals. Aune Heggebo has eight league goals, while Michael Johnston has supplied seven assists. The Robins have eight clean sheets, seven headed goals and a 24.80% cross accuracy from open play, with Emil Riis Jakobsen and Anis Mehmeti offering end product. Wide delivery and aerial moments could be decisive.

A win would move West Bromwich Albion to 31 points and may nudge them towards mid-table safety. The Robins would reach 36 points with victory and could close in on the play-off spots.