Albion Under-21s welcome Blackburn Rovers for a Premier League 2 encounter on Monday evening (7pm).
Leigh Downing’s young pros are still on the hunt for their first league win of 2026, one which would likely lift themselves from bottom place in the division.
Blackburn present their next challenge, with the Lancashire outfit sitting three spots and five points ahead of the young Baggies in the PL2 table.
Last time out
Albion's pros were edged out in a seven-goal thriller against Liverpool last weekend.
Downing’s side took the lead twice on Merseyside but couldn’t manage to steer the match in their favour, as they lost 4-3 to the young Reds.
Venue
The U21s make their return to Damson Park, home of Solihull Moors, for Monday's clash under the lights.
Pre-match thoughts
It's been some start to life in the PL2 setup for first-year scholar, Remar McNeil.
The winger, who’s still only just 16 years of age, has scored once and grabbed two assists in his last two matches for Albion U21s.
In their last league encounter, McNeil came up against another of the country’s most promising youngsters in Rio Ngumoha, who - like McNeil is hoping to - made his breakthrough in the Liverpool first team at a very early age.
The attacker says he didn’t think his opportunity would come “so soon”, but he’s keen to ensure he grasps it with both hands as he targets further goal contributions against Rovers.
He said: “It’s been a really good last few weeks. I didn’t think my opportunity with the 21s would come so soon, but it’s come along and, so far, it’s been really positive.
“I’m really grateful for the chance and it’s been fantastic to play so many minutes at the age I'm at now.
“It’s been fantastic for my development and a big step up from playing in the 18s, but it’s something difficult I know I can deal with. I’m handling it well so far, but I want to keep doing what I’m doing to keep my shirt in the team.
“It’s a lot more physical (compared to U18s football), but that suits my game because I like to be physical and use my pace on the pitch. I like to be exciting, get one-on-one with defenders to create chances, and get my team up the field.
“At under-21s level, I’ve found it important to find different ways to beat players, rather than just with my pace or by being physical. That’s been the main difference so far.
“For me personally, my goal is to start as many games as I can and the only way I can do that is to keep performing well. Just playing against someone like Rio Ngumoha; someone who wants to go forward all the time, as a winger, he’s a good player to learn off.
“He’s an explosive player, someone who made his first-team debut at a very young age, and he’s a great example of a path I want to replicate here at Albion
“As a winger, those goal contributions are what I’m here for. I want to continue getting those goals and assists to keep us in the hunt for our targets this season.
“It was a great moment to score the winner in the Premier League Cup (against QPR). I just want to help the team win games and, hopefully, more of those moments lie ahead this season if I carry on using my strengths.
“With us not scoring more goals than we'd have liked to this season, I know I need to keep getting in positions to contribute in the final third. We want to get our first PL2 win of 2026 on Monday and build from there until the end of the season.”
How to follow
Tickets are available for Monday night’s PL2 clash at Damson Park.
Those hoping to secure their ticket for the game can click here. Supporters can also buy tickets on the gate at Damson Park.
They are priced at £4 adults and £2 for Under-17s and 65+, while Albion season ticket holders are able to watch the game for free.
Owing to a clash with a Premier League game on Monday evening, there will not be a live stream of the match on WBA TV.
To gain their free access, season ticket holders will need to show an upcoming first-team match ticket on the gate at Damson Park.
