{"remix_data":[],"remix_entry_point":"challenges","source_tags":["local"],"origin":"unknown","total_draw_time":0,"total_draw_actions":0,"layers_used":0,"brushes_used":0,"photos_added":0,"total_editor_actions":{},"tools_used":{},"is_sticker":false,"edited_since_last_sticker_save":false,"containsFTESticker":false}
Tony Mowbray is determined not to let his West Brom side shy away from the challenge as they prepare for a tough trip to Elland Road to face Daniel Farke’s league-leading Leeds United.
However, that might prove easier said than done.
Mowbray has watched Leeds snatch victories from the brink of defeat in recent weeks, overcoming Sunderland and Sheffield United with dramatic late goals.
Fifth-placed West Brom will be well aware that, even if they hold a one-goal lead with 15 minutes to go, Leeds’ attacking prowess means anything can happen.
In their recent wins, unlikely heroes like Pascal Struijk, Junior Firpo, and Ao Tanaka played pivotal roles, helping Leeds stretch their lead to five points at the top of the Championship.
However, Mowbray is most wary of the more familiar attacking threats in Leeds’ squad.
Manor Solomon, who overcame an injury scare to deliver a dazzling performance at Bramall Lane, and Dan James, who has been in scintillating form for much of 2025, are key players.
Even on quieter days, the speedy Welshman has contributed, as seen with his assist for Firpo’s equalizer against Sheffield United.
If Farke opts to rest Solomon or James, he can call upon the likes of Largie Ramazani or Italian international Willy Gnonto, further strengthening Leeds’ attacking options.
Mowbray on Leeds’ Threats:
“How can we stop them? A lot of teams have tried this year and not many have succeeded,” Mowbray admits.
“They have a lot of threats, particularly Solomon and Dan James, who is probably playing his best football. All over the pitch, they have quality players.
They attack from everywhere, and they’re tough to shake off. The crowd at Elland Road is always noisy and they really push the team on.”
With 71 goals scored, Leeds are comfortably the most prolific team in the Championship.
Solomon, James, and the Golden Boot-chasing Joel Piroe have all been key contributors to this impressive tally, which is 27 goals higher than West Brom’s, despite the Baggies now having proven Championship striker Adam Armstrong in their ranks.
“We’re looking forward to this game, to enjoy the atmosphere and show them we’re a good team,” says Mowbray, who has managed Blackburn Rovers, Coventry City, and Celtic.
“We have to approach it with confidence and take the game to them. We’re not going to sit back and defend for the entire match.
If they push us back because of their quality, we’ll have to defend, but our intention is to go to Leeds, be aggressive, and see if we can take control of parts of the game.”
Farke Praises Mowbray’s Impact as West Brom Pursue a Top-Six Spot
Leeds host West Brom at Elland Road hoping to extend their 16-game unbeaten streak in the league, which is their longest run without defeat since winning the First Division in 1992 with stars like Lee Chapman and Eric Cantona.
They also remain on track to break the all-time Championship points record, set by Steve Coppell’s Reading nearly two decades ago.
However, Daniel Farke is not underestimating West Brom, especially with Armstrong leading the line and Mowbray at the helm.
“West Brom are a strong team, sitting in fifth place. We must stay focused and continue paying attention to the small details,” Farke said in his own press conference. “I’m not getting carried away. We want to ride this momentum.
“I appreciate when a manager’s methods are clear, and Mowbray’s principles are evident in his team.
They’ve been playing against teams fighting for the top two, so you have to be patient. West Brom are always well-organized defensively.”
Farke added, “I like Mowbray’s approach, especially without the ball. His teams dominate possession like no other in this league, and they have a lot of experience and high-quality players.
Since Mowbray took over, they’ve averaged over 60% possession in their games.”
