Albion Under-21s will be going for their first PL2 victory of the 2026/27 campaign when they head to Blackburn Rovers on Monday evening (ko 7pm).
The young Baggies have drawn one and lost three of their opening league clashes, but despite some positive signs, they remain winless and in 29th position within the standings.
Even after being edged out of their recent encounters, there’s still plenty of promise for Leigh Downing’s outfit - with Rovers only collecting one triumph so far this term.
Last time out
The club’s academy hopefuls were narrowly beaten in the PL2 Black Country derby last week.
Dani Ángel’s opener had Wolverhampton Wanderers ahead at Aggborough Stadium, with Rio Parmar’s stunner coming in response, but eventually, it was Tom Edozie who drilled home to secure all three points for the hosts.
Venue
Albion head to The County Ground on Monday evening, home of the Lancashire County Football Association.
It typically hosts both Burnley and Blackburn’s academy teams.
Pre-match thoughts
Young centre-half George Shaw made his first start of the 2026/27 season for the 21s last time around, but the ambitious defender is set on "pushing forward rather than looking back" as the PL2 team target a maiden league triumph in Lancashire.
Two injury setbacks halted the Hagley-born local's momentum in the Baggies' development teams early in this campaign, but having built up his fitness over the last two months, the 18-year-old made a long-awaited appearance from the off under Downing - against the club who he spent eight years at prior to swapping sides of the Black Country, in Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Things didn't end the way Shaw or his academy colleagues had hoped for following a largely positive performance against their local rivals, but there was a confidence clear to see in their play under the lights at Kidderminster.
And the central defender - who penned pro terms as a 17-year-old towards the end of last term - stresses maintaining the PL2 side's "high levels" is what they must do if they are to claim three, long-awaited points against Blackburn on Monday.
Shaw said: "I was grateful for the start (on Monday) because it was my first of the season for the 21s.
"I've had a few injuries but I'm glad to be back now and, hopefully, I can pick up some form in the upcoming matches.
"It was a physical game (the Wolves PL2 clash), but I thought I kept my standards and showed what I can do on and off the ball.
"Obviously, I was disappointed about the result but looking at the positives, as a team, we did play well overall.
"How we're playing has been good; building up, getting into the final third, it's just taking our chances and, obviously, doing that wins you games which is why it's so important we start finding a way to do that.
"Where I am on the pitch, it's about starting the attacks off rather than finishing them. But if I can, I'll do my best to be in the box, win a header and try and score from one of the crosses or deliveries from set-pieces.
"It's been quite frustrating this season as I've picked up two injuries, both in training, so they've set me back but I'm back playing and enjoying my football again currently.
"This is why I want to keep momentum, form and confidence high now until the end of the season.
"I set myself targets every year. Last term, one was to sign a pro deal - which I did, but there's always things to work for; more minutes in the 21s, consistency in my displays, and even getting around first-team training at some point.
"I'm keen to tick these things off and rather than looking back at goals, I'd prefer to go forwards and try to achieve new ones.
"Last season, we got quite far in the Premier League Cup and I had my part to play in that. I was grateful to play in the semi-finals of that competition, and the opportunity in that competition was my foundation to build off at this level.
"But focus is on getting a better result on Monday in the league at Blackburn - keeping our performance level high so we can come out of the other side with three points."
How to follow
Supporters can keep up-to-date with Monday’s trip to Lancashire via Albion’s social media feeds.
A match report and highlights will be available after the game.
