West Brom and Middlesbrough are set to go head-to-head in an early promotion clash and it's exclusively live on talkSPORT 2.
The Baggies and Boro are two of the favourites to earn a place in the Premier League next season.
Chris Wilder wants to be back in the top-flight
Chris Wilder and Steve Bruce want to be back in the top-flight and both will feel they are starting to assemble strong squads that can challenge for promotion.
Middlesbrough haven't been in the Premier League since 2017 but have been active in the transfer market with lots of incomings and outgoings.
Meanwhile, the Baggies have strengthened their squad with the signings of Jed Wallace and John Swift, while premium striker Daryl Dike is raring to go after recovering from his season-ending injury.
Although it is very early in the campaign, this match could indicate which of these two will have the better year, with promotion the ultimate goal for both.
Bruce failed to get the Baggies close to promotion last year
Middlesbrough v West Brom: talkSPORT coverage
This big Championship clash will take place on Saturday, July 30.
Kick-off at the Riverside is scheduled for 5:30pm.
The match is live on talkSPORT 2 and coverage starts at 5pm with commentary from Adam Bridge and former Leeds United player Lucy Ward.
To tune in to talkSPORT or talkSPORT 2 through the website, click HERE for the live stream. You can also listen via the talkSPORT app, on DAB digital radio, through your smart speaker and on 1089 or 1053 AM.
Middlesbrough v West Brom: Team news
The visitors could hand debuts to Wallace and Swift, while Okay Yokuslu has returned to the Hawthorns after an impressive loan spell during the 2020/21 season.
Jayson Molumby has also joined the Baggies permanently from Brighton & Hove Albion, so could be involved.
Kean Bryan remains a long-term absentee, but Dara O'Shea is back and has signed a contract extension with West Brom.
Kyle Bartley has only just returned to training but should make it.
Meanwhile, Boro will be without Paddy McNair who is suspended after being sent off on the final day last season, and he suffered an ankle injury.
The Teessiders have also just confirmed the signing of Marcus Forss from Brentford, so he might go straight into Wilder's side.
Fellow new boys, Zack Steffen, Daragh Lenihan and Ryan Giles will all start.
But Marcus Tavernier is not set to be involved after boss Wilder revealed Boro have accepted a bid to let him join the Premier League.
Middlesbrough v West Brom: What has been said?
Chris Wilder on Boro signing Marcus Forss: "We're delighted to bring Marcus in.
"He played a big part in Brentford winning promotion a couple of seasons ago, and he knows this league well. He's a good athlete and all-round player. We're really looking forward to what he can bring to the squad."
Middlesbrough v West Brom: Match facts
- Middlesbrough have lost just one of their last eight league matches against West Bromwich Albion (W4 D3), a 1-0 home defeat in October 2019.
- West Brom last faced Middlesbrough in their opening league game of the season back in August 1921, a goalless draw in the top-flight.
- Middlesbrough have won their opening league match in just two of the last 21 seasons (D10 L9), wins in 2008-09 vs Spurs and 2014-15 vs Birmingham.
- West Bromwich Albion have won their opening league game in just two of their last 11 second tier seasons (D4 L5), though they won promotion the last time they won their first game (2019-20 vs Nottingham Forest).
- West Brom manager Steve Bruce has won the opening league match of the season in five of his last six campaigns at this level (D1) since losing 2-1 with Huddersfield Town at home to Watford in 2000-01.
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