Leeds v West Brom preview

After one point from a possible 12 and a series of unconvincing performances, Darren Moore ditched his wing-backs in favour of a more robust 4-3-3 that took everyone by surprise, even Marcelo Bielsa’s spies.

It delivered his side’s best performance of the season, and that 4-1 win at home to the leaders sparked a nine-game unbeaten streak and provided the blueprint for his team.

Albion’s need for victory is arguably just as great now, but for different reasons.

Defeat to Sheffield United last weekend means Moore’s men are playing catch-up on the top three, and they cannot afford to lose another six-pointer.

Although the 4-3-3 is flattering to deceive at home, it’s working wonders on the road, and will probably remain in place against the team it outplayed on its debut.

The Baggies will attempt to soak up Leeds’s possession-based pressure and counter-punch them on the break.

Ahmed Hegazi, Hal Robson-Kanu and Jacob Murphy all face late fitness tests, although all three trained yesterday. Hegazi is possibly the least likely to make it after limping off with an ankle injury against the Blades.

If he is ruled out, he will be a miss with Albion having failed to win any of the five league games he has been sidelined for this season. Speaking yesterday though, Moore seemed confident he would play. Tosin Adarabioyo and Kyle Bartley are on standby if he doesn’t.

James Morrison, who was instrumental in midfield against Leeds earlier this season, could also return to the bench after a period on the sidelines.

However, after looking weary against the Blades last weekend, it will be the Baggies who benefit from an extra three days preparation this time around.

For the first time this season, Gareth Barry – who has become the key anchor at the base of midfield – looked every one of his 38 years last Saturday, but he insists the week off has helped.

“With the full week in between I should be good to go, really fresh and looking forward to the Leeds game” he said.

“This is the important stage of the season and while you’ve got to be prepared, you’ve got to enjoy it as well.”

Albion will be backed by more than 2,000 Baggies at Elland Road, despite the whopping £39 ticket for adults and the Friday night slot for live coverage on Sky.

But the players have agreed to pay for supporters’ coach travel.

“It was brought up three or four weeks ago,” said Barry. “We knew it was going to be a vital game at a part of the season where we’re going to need away fans.

“It’s tough for them, people don’t realise – on a Friday after work to travel up there is not easy. We felt it would be good to help them with that.”

The Boss: It’s another tough challenge in this Championship, there’s never any easy games. We will have to be at our very best because they’re a good team.

Memory Lane: Diomansy Kamara scored twice in the first half on Albion’s last visit to Leeds in January 2007. Jonathan Greening had got the opener as they won 3-2.

Key Man: After an hour last weekend, Matt Phillips will hopefully be up to speed now, and Albion will need his pace and direct running on the counter.