The EFL Championship roared back to life after the March international break, and what a way to get things underway! West Bromwich Albion welcomed Wrexham to The Hawthorns in one of the opening fixtures of the 40th matchweek, a contest that had fans on both sides buzzing with anticipation. With the teams separated by a hefty 20 points in the league standings—West Brom hovering just above the relegation zone and Wrexham eyeing a coveted promotion playoff spot—this match promised drama, grit, and maybe a few surprises along the way.
West Brom came into this clash with a much-needed boost, having edged out Bristol City 1-0 away from home in their previous outing. George Campbell was the hero that day, netting the only goal to secure three vital points for the Baggies. Wrexham, not to be outdone, pulled off an impressive comeback against Sheffield United. After falling behind just after halftime, Wrexham rallied with goals from Josh Windass and Sam Smith to claim a 2-1 victory, keeping their promotion hopes very much alive. Momentum, it seemed, was on both teams’ side heading into this high-stakes showdown.
For those who like a bit of history, these two sides last faced off on August 16, 2025, at Wrexham’s STōK Cae Ras. That encounter was a thriller, with West Brom snatching a 3-2 win thanks to a brace from Isaac Price and a crucial goal by Jed Wallace. Wrexham, no doubt, had revenge on their minds as they took to the pitch this time around.
Lineups for the match were revealed with little in the way of surprises, but plenty of talking points. West Brom lined up with Joshua Griffiths between the sticks, a back four of Callum Styles, George Campbell, Nathaniel Phillips, and Daniel Imray, and a midfield packed with energy—Isaac Price, Ousmane Diakite, Jayson Molumby, and Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba. Up front, Aune Selland Heggebø and Josh Maja were tasked with finding the goals. Wrexham, meanwhile, entrusted Arthur Okonkwo in goal, with defenders Callum Doyle, Dominic Hyam, and Max Cleworth providing cover. Their midfield featured George Thomason, George Dobson, Zak Vyner, and Issa Kabore, while the attacking trio comprised Lewis O'Brien, Sam Smith, and the in-form Josh Windass.
The match kicked off at 3 p.m. local time in West Bromwich, a time slot that allowed both UK and US fans to tune in—whether it was over breakfast on the West Coast or a late lunch in the Midlands. The game was broadcast on a host of platforms, including Paramount+ in the US and Sky Sports Football, Sky Sports Main Event, ITV1, Sky Go, ITX, NOW, and STV Player in the UK. No one could complain about a lack of access to this crucial EFL Championship fixture!
From the opening whistle, the game was played at a frenetic pace. Both sides pressed high, eager to seize the initiative. West Brom, desperate to put some breathing room between themselves and the drop zone, looked to Isaac Price to orchestrate play from midfield. Wrexham, brimming with confidence after their recent comeback, seemed content to soak up pressure and hit on the break, using the pace of Windass and Smith to exploit any gaps in the Baggies’ backline.
It didn’t take long for the first real moment of brilliance to light up The Hawthorns. In the 42nd minute, Josh Windass produced a moment of magic for Wrexham that had fans and pundits alike reaching for the superlatives. According to Sky Sports, "Josh Windass scored a great goal for Wrexham against West Bromwich Albion." The move started deep in Wrexham’s half, with a slick passing sequence that left the West Brom defenders scrambling. Windass, showing composure and class, finished off the move with a clinical strike, sending the Wrexham supporters into raptures and putting his team in the driving seat.
That goal was more than just a highlight for the match—it was a statement. Windass, who had already played a pivotal role in Wrexham’s comeback win over Sheffield United the previous week, continued to prove why he’s become such a key figure for the club. His partnership with Sam Smith up front has been a revelation in recent weeks, and the duo’s chemistry was on full display once again.
West Brom, stung by the setback, responded with urgency. Isaac Price, who had scored twice in the reverse fixture earlier in the season, tried to rally his teammates. The Baggies pressed forward, with Aune Selland Heggebø and Josh Maja both testing Okonkwo in the Wrexham goal. The visitors, however, held firm, with defenders Dominic Hyam and Max Cleworth throwing themselves in front of every shot and cross.
As the match wore on, the tension inside The Hawthorns was palpable. Every tackle was cheered or jeered, depending on your allegiance. West Brom’s faithful urged their side forward, knowing that every point at this stage of the season could prove decisive. Wrexham’s traveling supporters, meanwhile, dared to dream of another famous away win to solidify their playoff ambitions.
It wasn’t just about the action on the pitch, though. The stakes off it were equally significant. For West Brom, survival in the EFL Championship is paramount, both for financial stability and club pride. Relegation would be a bitter pill to swallow for a club with such a storied history. For Wrexham, the chance to return to the top flight—or at least secure a playoff berth—has energized the club and its ever-growing fanbase. The momentum from their recent run of form, including the dramatic comeback at Sheffield United, has given them genuine belief that this could be their year.
As the final whistle approached, both managers made tactical tweaks in search of a decisive breakthrough. West Brom threw on fresh legs in midfield, hoping to unlock a stubborn Wrexham defense. The visitors, meanwhile, packed the midfield and looked to hit on the counter, with Windass and Smith always a threat on the break.
At the time of reporting, the match remains ongoing, with Wrexham holding a slender advantage thanks to Windass’s superb first-half strike. West Brom continue to press, while Wrexham look to see out the result and take another step towards their playoff dreams. With the stakes so high and the action so finely poised, this is one EFL Championship clash that’s far from over.
Fans on both sides will be glued to their screens and radios as the drama unfolds at The Hawthorns. Whether it’s West Brom fighting for survival or Wrexham chasing promotion glory, this match is a reminder of why the EFL Championship delivers such compelling football week in, week out. Stay tuned—there’s still plenty of action left to play!