Can West Brom Keep Playoff Dreams Alive Against Relegation-Threatened Cardiff?

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West Bromwich Albion face Cardiff City in their final away match of the 2024/25 Championship season, with both teams desperate for a win to achieve very different goals. The Baggies are aiming to keep faint hopes of a playoff spot alive, while Cardiff fight to avoid relegation.

West Brom enter the game on the back of a poor run, having lost four of their last five matches, a slump that led to the departure of manager Tony Mowbray. Interim boss James Morrison takes charge for the first time, with key players Jayson Molumby and Callum Styles returning from suspension. Top scorer Josh Maja remains sidelined with a leg injury, though Morrison has not ruled out a surprise comeback in the final two games. Semi Ajayi and Tammer Banny could also feature from the bench despite limited fitness.

Cardiff City, currently 23rd in the league, have struggled with three draws and two losses in their last five games. Injuries have sidelined key figures Aaron Ramsey and Joe Ralls for the remainder of the season, while Isaak Davies and Jak Alnwick are doubts for the match. The Bluebirds have managed points from recent draws against Oxford United and Preston North End but remain rooted in the relegation zone.

Both sides face immense pressure: West Brom need a victory to keep their playoff aspirations alive, while Cardiff must win to keep their survival hopes alive going into the final day. A loss for Cardiff could confirm relegation to League One for the first time since the 2002/03 season.

Key players to watch include West Brom’s Tom Fellows, who has been pivotal in attack with 14 assists this season—the highest for any player under 21 in Europe and the Championship. His creativity and flair have been vital in an otherwise inconsistent Albion campaign. For Cardiff, Callum Robinson remains a rare bright spot, with 12 goals and a crucial role in keeping the Bluebirds’ survival bid alive.

Predicted lineups see West Brom fielding Griffiths; Styles, Bartley, Heggem, Furlong; Molumby, Diakite, Price; Johnston, Lankshear, Fellows. Cardiff are expected to line up with Horvath; Ng, Fish, Chambers; O’Dowda, Rinomhota, Mannsverk, Ashford; Robertson, Willock, Salech.

The match kicks off at 3pm at Cardiff City Stadium, where over 3,200 West Brom supporters are expected to travel in support of their team. With both clubs desperate for three points, the fixture promises to be a tense and crucial encounter in the closing stages of the Championship season.