West Bromwich Albion vs Harrogate Town Predictions

• West Brom kept just three clean sheets in their last nine matches.
• WBA were beaten in just five of their last 24 home fixtures.
• League Two new boys Harrogate Town are competing in the Carabao Cup for the first time this season.

Baggies hoping to bounce back

Following a harrowing opening day Premier League defeat to Leicester City and the negative fallout that ensued, West Brom need a pick me up, and a Carabao Cup clash at home to League Two’s Harrogate Town could be just the tonic.

The Baggies looked worryingly abject in their 3-0 reverse at home to a Jamie Vardy-inspired Foxes outfit on Sunday, and Slaven Bilić will be keen to see his troops respond in a positive manner in what looks an eminently winnable game against the Sulphurites.

Harrogate meanwhile, are living the dream following their promotion to League Two in the summer, though Town – embarking on their first Carabao Cup adventure this season – should find a trip to the Hawthons difficult to navigate.

Even if Slaven Bilić shuffles his pack as expected this week, the gap in class between the teams should ensure that Harrogate’s foray in the cup is limited this year, however, the evidence suggests a consolation goal could be on offer for Town.

Having plundered seven goals in their opening three competitive fixtures of the new season, Town look confident finishers at present, and against an Albion rearguard that kept just three clean sheets in their last nine assignments, Harrogate should have a chance or two to register.

Ultimately, the Baggies should prove strong for their plucky lower league visitors at the Hawthorns however, and that in turn makes the home win and both teams to score market a combination bet worth considering, while our correct score prediction backs WBA to run out 3-1 winners.