West Bromwich Albion vs Burnley – News and Probable Lineups

West Bromwich Albion aims to maintain their flawless start to the 2026-27 season when they face Burnley in the Championship on Sunday.

On the other side, the Clarets arrive at The Hawthorns still searching for their first victory in regular time under the guidance of new head coach Nicky Hayen.

Match overview

West Brom found themselves at the center of controversy on Thursday evening when the Football Association declared that Aune Heggebo had received a two-match ban for ‘successfully deceiving’ the match officials during last week’s Championship opener at Norwich City.

The Norwegian international scored – perhaps inadvertently – by redirecting a cross into the net using his arm, which helped West Brom secure a 2-1 victory at Carrow Road.

For the umpteenth time in 2026, there is a feeling that the Baggies have faced unjust penalties from the FA, which has slightly tarnished what has been a remarkable start to the season.

A decisive 4-1 win over Rotherham United in the EFL Cup first round preceded the triumph in East Anglia, with the promotion of James Morrison to head coach from his previous support staff position still appearing to be a brilliant idea.

Morrison has now compiled a record of six wins, six draws, and two losses from his 14 matches in charge, a record bolstered by the contributions of new signing Jimmy-Jay Morgan, who has netted three goals in his first two appearances after joining from Chelsea.

Meanwhile, Nicky Hayen will be optimistic about his Burnley squad’s development, despite the fact that they have not yet secured a win at Turf Moor, finishing their first two games in a draw.

Burnley triumphed over Notts County on penalties in the EFL Cup first round after the match ended 1-1, and they mounted a comeback last weekend, scoring two late goals to earn a draw against Championship title contenders West Ham United.

Zian Flemming’s brace has only amplified interest in his services, and holding onto the Dutch forward could be crucial for a successful title campaign.

It has been since February 11 that Burnley last enjoyed a competitive win within 90 minutes across any competition, with their last victory being a 3-2 success against Crystal Palace.

Five of the last six encounters between these clubs have ended in draws, and Burnley remains unbeaten in their last seven meetings.

Team News

Due to Heggebo’s suspension, summer acquisition Barney Stewart is set to step into the attack as his direct replacement.

Ousmane Diakite is under evaluation after sustaining an issue against Norwich, with Jayson Molumby ready to come in for him.

While Mikey Johnston is returning from injury, he is expected to remain on the bench for this match, and Tammer Bany is still sidelined with a hamstring issue.

On the Burnley side, Josh Laurent may re-enter the midfield as an alternative to Ugo Raghouber.

The configuration of the defence hinges on whether Kyle Walker stays as centre-back. The former England international may shift to right-back, allowing Bashir Humphreys to occupy the centre-back role, with Lucas Pires coming back in at left-back if Hayen has concerns about last weekend’s performance against West Ham.

Josh Cullen is still out for the Clarets, and Connor Roberts remains a significant doubt.

West Bromwich Albion probable starting XI:

O’Leary; Galves, Phillips, Campbell, Styles; Whitwell, Diakite, Myhre, Price; Stewart, Morgan

Burnley probable starting XI:

Weiss; Sonne, Walker, Alleyne, Humphreys; Hannibal, Laurent; Edwards, Ramsey, Bruun Larsen; Flemming

With Heggebo absent, it is uncertain how West Brom will manage in attack, though it is reasonable to assume they may not pose the same threat as seen in their first two fixtures. Nevertheless, this team is showing improvement under Morrison’s guidance, and we anticipate the Baggies will earn a well-deserved point.