Albion Under-21s are targeting a positive reaction when they return to Premier League 2 action against Leicester City on Monday night (ko 7pm).
In the PL2 phase, the top 16 sides in the standings qualify for the end-of-season play-offs and, unlike the first season of the newly revamped format in 2023/24, those same sides are also entered into the PL International Cup for the 25/26 campaign should they end the campaign in those hotly-contested positions.
Currently 18th on 21 points, the young Baggies have three remaining matches to fight for the points they need to gain qualification for these incentives - starting on Monday against City.
Last time out
A tough lesson was handed to Richard Beale's hopefuls on their previous league outing at Leigh Sports Village.
They lost 5-1 to Manchester United, with Harry Whitwell scoring from the spot for his eighth goal in PL youth competitions this term.
Venue
The Foxes' revamped training ground will host their PL2 clash with Albion on Monday evening.
City moved into their current base of operations over five years ago, and host most of their academy matches at their base camp in Loughborough.
Pre-match thoughts
Right-sided defender Deago Nelson is set on ending the PL2 team's three-game losing streak under the lights at Leicester's training base.
Although development football is always centred around learning regardless of the results along the way, every young player wants the added bonus of three points - and Nelson is no different.
Recent performances haven't delivered the points needed to get the 21s higher up in the league standings. However, Albion's 19-year-old full-back is hopeful Monday can be the start of a short, but prosperous run of form if they are to end the campaign on a high.
Nelson said: "We lacked enthusiasm in the last match, but we've learned from our mistakes and go into the Leicester game all guns blazing ready to try and get three points.
"This year been my first proper season in and around the senior setup. Opportunities have opened up for me and I hope there are many more to come.
"It's been a dream for me. When I was with the first team, playing alongside them earlier in the season at Fleetwood, it felt like it was meant to be.
"Hearing the fans in the stand was incredible and factors like that really composed me and made me realise that this is what I was made for.
"It's pushed me more to be at that level every single day; in training, in games, to make sure I'm doing the right things and be on it for when the next chance arises."
Deago's personal campaign has involved plenty of moments for reflection and positivity.
The right-back made his senior debut in the Carabao Cup against Fleetwood earlier this term, appeared on the bench for the senior side a further three times, not to mention helping Beale's academy group reach the PL Cup quarter-finals, as well as being a regular starter in PL2 matches.
Nelson's best attributes, as an energetic wide player, typically involve plenty of attacking play down the flanks - something which he's brought on a lot in his game this season in addition to his defensive capabilities, providing four assists across all youth competitions.
Oddly, most of those have come on his weaker left foot and he hopes more of those, on either side, are still to come against the Foxes, Arsenal and Middlesbrough in the games ahead as he looks to help Albion extend their campaign and set himself up for a step up in his career next season.
"One thing I wanted to work on going into this season was my contributions and I feel like that's shown," Nelson continued.
"It's paid off, but there's a lot more room for improvement and I'm willing to put my everything into making sure I make it a super strength of mine.
"There's still big opportunities for us players from this season and that's what we're concentrating on going into Monday.
"It's been a long time since this club has been in those sorts of positions, at our level anyway in terms of playing European teams.
"So, it would be a big thing for this club to play in those kind of games again and we're going to put our bodies on the lines in these last few games.
"We know it'll be tough because Leicester, Arsenal and Middlesbrough are all good teams, but we have to both match and show them we want these wins more."
How to follow
There will be live updates across our social media channels for Monday's PL2 match against Leicester City.
The full report and highlights from the match will be available on the website following the full-time whistle.
