Preview: Rovers v West Bromwich Albion

Rovers return to action this afternoon as Tony Mowbray's men aim to extend their unbeaten league run to four games in 2021-22, with West Bromwich Albion the visitors to Ewood Park.

Buoyed by the late victory over Nottingham Forest in midweek, Rovers will be in confident mood against Valerian Ismael's visitors, who were recently relegated from the Premier League.

It's been a good start for the Baggies so far this season, with the Midlanders currently sitting top of the table on goal difference having, like Rovers, won two and drawn one of their opening three outings.

The latest result was an eye-catching 4-0 triumph over Sheffield United at the Hawthorns, with goals from Dara O’Shea, Alex Mowatt and Callum Robinson arriving after Jack Robinson’s early own goal.

The last meeting between the sides came in July 2020, with Joe Rothwell forcing an equaliser in the 1-1 draw after Filip Krovinovic's opener in East Lancashire as West Brom picked up a vital point on their way to promotion to the Premier League at the end of that campaign.

Aside from sealing their place back in the top flight before being relegated at the end of last term, seven of the starting XI from that day remain on the books under new boss Ismael.

Fresh faces have been brought in this summer in the form of Matt Clarke and Alex Mowatt, who both boast plenty of Championship experience, as the Baggies aim to bounce back at the first time of asking.

Rovers boss Mowbray has previous with today's visitors having won promotion from the Championship from Albion back in the 2007-08 campaign.

In terms of team news, Ryan Nyambe won't be risked having picked up a hamstring injury earlier in the week, with Hayden Carter likely to continue at right-back, as he did at Nottingham Forest.

However, there are no fresh injury concerns for Mowbray to contend with ahead of this afternoon's clash. Joe Rankin-Costello and Bradley Johnson are both edging closer to a return, but Scott Wharton and Bradley Dack remain a couple of months away from returning.

Rovers fans are reminded that tickets remain available for today's game, and can be purchased in person at the Roverstore or online by using the link below.

Kick-off is at 3pm later this afternoon.