Albion Under-21s return to action when they host Crystal Palace at The Hawthorns in their third Premier League 2 clash of the season on Friday night (ko 7pm).
Consecutive league defeats has left the young Baggies and recently-appointed boss, Leigh Downing, hungry for their opening success of the campaign.
Having had three days between fixtures, Friday provides an early opportunity to respond positively to their recent loss, but Crystal Palace will provide a stern test.
Last time out
Albion lost 3-1 to Aston Villa in their opening PL2 match of the campaign on home soil in Solihull, with Ollie Bostock netting his second goal this term in all competitions.
Venue
The Hawthorns will host its first U21 match of the 2025/26 season on Friday night.
Albion's last academy game in B71 saw its youngsters beat Reading 3-1 thanks to goals from Alex Williams, Ollie Bostock and Matthew Crowther.
Pre-match thoughts
Last season's Academy Player of the Year Matt Crowther is keen to help Albion's PL2 team "kickstart their season" with a positive performance against Palace on Friday evening.
Sunderland-born Crowther was a regular in the 21s right from the off last term, and nothing has changed this time around - with the imposing central midfielder starting every match thus far.
The 17-year-old, who penned professional terms in April 2025, is one of several progressive talents currently excelling in the club's youth ranks - showing dynamism, industry and physicality during his displays in the middle of the park.
And Matt believes more minutes with "better, older, stronger players" will only help him show his best side on the pitch, and with the next opportunity to do so coming at the Baggies' first-team stadium on Friday, the midfielder is confident the extra "buzz" from playing at The Hawthorns can help the PL2 team get their campaign going.
“I think it's an important time of the season for us to really get going,” said Crowther.
“Palace is a good chance on Friday at the stadium to kick on as a team, get our season started, and bounce back from what happened on Monday.
“I'm taking all of it in my stride. It’s a challenge I like and training with better, older, stronger players is better for my development so, hopefully, I can start showing those benefits on the pitch this season.
“It’s really nice having Leigh leading the 21s. He gives, not just me, but all of the lads clarity and he's really thorough with his messages. He knows what he wants from us and everyone knows him at the club because he’s been here for a while, so he gets it and he gets us.
“Playing at the stadium is always nice because it gives you that little extra buzz before the match and that added fuel to the fire which drives us to perform.
“Even when you walk around the first-team training ground, looking at the players who you see playing on the weekend - that's what you want to be, and who you want to play alongside.
“So for us, that all starts in the Premier League 2 because that's where you get the chances to show you can do it on the big stage, especially with this game being at the first-team stadium, and there's a collective belief we can kick-start our season on Friday night."
How to follow
Match tickets will be available for Friday night’s Premier League 2 game versus Crystal Palace.
Supporters can purchase tickets on the gate on the Halfords Lane side of the stadium.
They are priced at £5 adults, and £1 for Under-17s and 65+, while Albion season ticket holders are able to watch the game for free.
To gain their free access, season ticket holders will need to show an upcoming first-team match ticket upon entry at The Hawthorns.
Alternatively, WBA TV+ subscribers will be able to watch a live stream of the game here from 6.50pm.
Supporters can keep up-to-date with Friday's PL2 match across the club’s social media channels, with half-time, full-time, and goal updates as they go in.
