Albion Under-21s go into Friday night's Premier League Cup clash with Fleetwood Town needing a win to stand any chance of qualifying from Group C.
The young Baggies will hope Southampton can do them a favour on the night in their duel with Swansea City, with a defeat or draw for the Swans cementing qualification to the knockout stages for Richard Beale's youngsters should they prevail against the Fleet.
Here's how the table looks ahead of Friday's game:
| Position | Club | PL | W | D | L | GD | PTS |
| 1 | Southampton | 4 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 8 |
| 2 | Swansea | 5 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 5 | 7 |
| 3 | Albion | 5 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 6 |
| 4 | Fleetwood | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | -9 | 3 |
Last time out
A stoppage-time effort prevented Richard Beale's boys from claiming a much-needed PL Cup win against Swansea City in South Wales.
Reyes Cleary's penalty looked to have sealed the points, but a late leveller ensured the points were shared.
Venue
The Baggies' 21s will play their first match of 2025 at Solihull Moors' Damson Park stadium on Friday evening.
Pre-match thoughts
Beale says his youngsters are keen to take on the challenge that Fleetwood will bring, and believes the extra jeopardy riding on the fixture will only motivate them further to try and earn their place in the next stage of the competition.
"We're looking forward to seeing the boys in action. We really have to win the game, so it's good to have that jeopardy and the boys are ready, they've worked hard and we're looking forward to it." He said.
"It's nice to have that little bit extra on the game. We always try and put the boys in as many scenarios as we can and run all of our training sessions and games as close to first team level as we possibly can.
"Obviously the first team games come with the highest jeopardy there is, with high stakes with every point and pass counting. So with it being a cup game with a little bit extra on it is helpful to the lads' development.
"They're a good team, we played them earlier in the competition. They're physical and direct, but they can play too. So it'll be a good test for the boys, it was a tight game when we faced them before and we'll be taking them seriously as we do every fixture.
"Results wise we've had some ups and downs, but we've got to try and find that consistency and cope with players and teams of every style, so it'll be a good one for the boys.
"We've had a couple of late goals go against us in this competition so far, which has been disappointing - so we have to concentrate for the full 90. But we're off the back of a couple of really good results and the boys are full of confidence and keen to go into this second half of the season with real vigour.
"The number one focus is always on developing the lads, learning and getting closer to the first team, but I'm a big believer that winning is a big part of that.
"It's really important that the boys develop the habit of winning, develop the feeling of being a winner, winning their individual battles on the pitch and dominating their opponents. These are things that we try and press home and talk to them about.
"We've got lads that I know are doing that and it will be great to see them try and do that once more."
How to follow
Match tickets will be available for Friday night’s Premier League Cup group game versus Fleetwood Town.
They are priced at £4 adults, and £2 for Under-17s and 65+, with supporters able to purchase tickets on the gate outside the Damson Homes Stand. Free parking at the stadium will be available on a first come, first served basis.
As usual, free entry for season ticket holders is not available for any of this year's PL Cup matches.
Alternatively, WBA TV+ subscribers will be able to watch a live stream of the game here from 6.20pm.
Supporters can keep up-to-date with Friday’s PL Cup match across the club’s social media channels, with half-time, full-time, and goal updates as they go in.
