Tony Pulis’ West Brom side will no doubt still be reeling from their penalty shoot-out defeat to Northampton in mid-week – having only claimed one win as yet this season they will be hoping to overturn newly promoted Middlesbrough and get their season on track.

Pulis has been very defensive this week and has repeatedly stated he won’t be rushing to buy any players ahead of Wednesday’s transfer deadline. It is clear and apparent the Baggies have faith in their current crop of players including youngster Kane Wilson who could make Premier League history if he is given the chance against ‘Boro – he could be the first player born in the 21^st century the play in England’s top flight.

Middlesbrough feature in the televised fixtures for a second consecutive weekend but manager Aitor Karanka has played down any notions of additional pressure a wider audience might put on his side. Boro may have stumbled out of the EFL cup this week thanks to a spirited Fulham side but they remain unbeaten in the league despite many writing them off as relegation fodder.

Middlesbrough have something of an injury crisis at present with no recognised left back available for the trip to the Hawthorns and summer signings Valdes and De Roon both out with hamstring injuries. West Brom also have injury concerns with Chris Brunt still suffering with a knee problem and Everton loanee Brendan Galloway faces a race against time to be fit for the game; his hamstring injury will be assessed prior to the match.

West Brom enter the game having won their last four clashes with Middlesbrough; they’ve scored 11 without conceding against Boro and Tony Pulis will be keen to keep the perfect record intact. The Baggies also have an impressive scoring record under Pulis registering 0.95 goals per game since he took over two years ago – it may not be a goal per game but you can expect them to push on for a win at home.

SkyBet see West Brom as favourites to claim victory at home with West Brom 13/8 to win, a draw is 2/1 and Boro victory is offered at 2/1. With the odds of a draw the same as Boro to win, you’d be wise to match your bet to ensure a return – outrights rarely pay out at double and Middlesbrough are in good form; back Boro and match on West Brom or the draw.

Given his lack of form in front of goal, you might imagine the enigma that is Saido Berahino might find his shooting boots in this fixture and you can get Berahino to score any time and West Brom to win at 5/1 – the young forward desperately needs a goal and a depleted Boro side will offer him the opportunity he needs.

The pick of the betting has to be Middlesbrough to win 3-1 at 40/1 – it is almost certain both sides will attack and Boro are hungry for goals. Brad Guzan will be stepping in as a replacement for the injured Valdes and he wasn’t exactly the safest pair of hands whilst he was at Aston Villa – Boro will concede, it is more a question of whether they can score three goals.