West Brom vs Burnley live: Hawthorns line-ups and build-up
West Brom vs Burnley kicks off at midday on Sunday, 23 August 2026, at The Hawthorns in the Sky Bet Championship, live on Sky Sports. James Morrison's Baggies target a third straight win after victories over Rotherham and Norwich, while recently relegated Burnley chase their first win under Nicky Hayen following a 2-2 draw with West Ham.
Albion return to The Hawthorns for their first home game of the 2026-27 campaign, with Morrison describing "plenty of excitement" around the lunchtime fixture. Burnley arrive as a stern test despite last season's Premier League relegation, carrying quality players Morrison says his side must respect.
Key Takeaways
- Kick-off is midday BST at The Hawthorns, with live TV on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football.
- West Brom have won their opening two matches and want back-to-back league wins to build early momentum.
- BBC Sport confirmed 4-4-2 and 4-2-3-1 line-ups, with Armando Broja leading Burnley's attack.
- Five of the last six meetings between these clubs finished level, underlining how tight this fixture often is.
- Bookmakers make West Brom 7-4 favourites, Burnley 6-4 and the draw 23-10.
What time is West Brom vs Burnley and where can you watch?
The match takes place on Sunday, 23 August 2026, with a midday kick-off at The Hawthorns in West Bromwich. It is a Sky Bet Championship fixture and will be broadcast live in the UK on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football.
Referee Anthony Backhouse takes charge, assisted by Timothy Wood and Nicholas Hopton, with Lewis Smith as fourth official. For live text updates, line-ups and head-to-head data, BBC Sport's live coverage is tracking the build-up.
Who starts for West Brom and Burnley at The Hawthorns?
West Brom line up in a 4-4-2 under Morrison: Max O'Leary; Naci Galves, Nathaniel Phillips, George Campbell, Corey Styles; Harry Whitwell, Ousmane Diakite, Fredrik Myhre, Isaac Price; John Molumby, Jimmy-Jay Morgan.
Burnley deploy a 4-2-3-1 under Hayen: Maximilian Weiss; Oliver Sonne, Kyle Walker, Max Alleyne, Bashir Humphreys; Hannibal Mejbri, Josh Laurent; Marcus Edwards, Jacob Ramsey, Jens Bruun Larsen; Armando Broja.
Aune Heggebo misses out through a two-game ban after his handball goal at Norwich, while Tammer Bany remains sidelined with a hamstring issue. Burnley captain Josh Cullen is still out with a knee injury, though Connor Roberts is among the substitutes.
How have both sides begun the 2026-27 Championship season?
West Brom followed a Carabao Cup win at Rotherham with an opening-day victory at Norwich City. Morrison told the club website his players must "back up" that result and make The Hawthorns a "fortress" again, recalling the atmosphere from April's home meeting with Ipswich Town.
Burnley showed fighting spirit to recover from two goals down and draw 2-2 with fellow relegated side West Ham United, but they are still searching for a first win under Hayen. Morrison warned: "Burnley were relegated from the Premier League last year, but they're still very strong."
Jimmy-Jay Morgan has scored three goals in his first two appearances for Albion. Zian Flemming has netted all three of Burnley's goals this season, though Broja gets the nod upfront today.
What do the head-to-head stats and betting odds suggest?
West Brom have lost only two of 14 games under Morrison and just five of 23 Championship home matches at The Hawthorns last season. Racing Post notes five of the last six west brom burnley meetings finished all square.
Pre-match odds list West Brom at 7-4, Burnley at 6-4 and the draw at 23-10. Form and home strength tip slightly towards the Baggies, but recent head-to-head history points to a closely fought 90 minutes.
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