Tony Mowbray is refusing to let his West Brom charges shy away from the challenge as they make a daunting trip to Elland Road to face Daniel Farke’s table-topping Leeds United side.
Yet, that may be easier said than done.
Mowbray watched Leeds United snatch victory from the jaws of defeat in successive Mondays against promotion rivals Sunderland and Sheffield United.
Fifth-place West Bromwich Albion, then, will know that even if they approach the final 15 minutes with a one-goal lead in West Yorkshire, anything is still possible thanks to the fearsome attacking talent in Daniel Farke’s armoury.
Pascal Struijk, Junior Firpo and Ao Tanaka were the unlikely heroes as Leeds moved five points clear at the top of the Championship by beating both the Blades and the Black Cats late on. Mowbray is more concerned about those used to doing their business in the final third on a more regular basis, however.
Manor Solomon overcame an injury doubt to produce a typically twinkle-toed performance at Bramall Lane. Dan James has been ‘unstoppable’ in a Leeds shirt throughout much of 2025, meanwhile. Even on one of his quieter days, the rapid Welshman still provided an assist as Firpo cancelled out that Illan Meslier own goal last time out.
And, if for whatever reason Farke brings Solomon and James off the pitch, the Leeds boss then has the luxury of being able to call upon Largie Ramazani and Italy international Willy Gnonto.
Tony Mowbray highlights Leeds United dangermen Manor Solomon and Dan James
“How can we stop them? A lot of teams have tried this year and not many have succeeded,” admits Mowbray. They’ve got a lot of threats; Solomon and Dan James, who is probably playing his best football.
“All over the pitch, they have good players, They attack from everywhere. They are difficult to get off your back and the stadium is generally a cauldron of noise. [The home fans] push them on.”
With 71 goals already, Leeds are comfortably the most prolific team in England’s second tier.
Solomon, James and the Golden Boot-chasing Joel Piroe have contributed heavily to a tally that is currently 27 greater than The Baggies own, even if West Brom now have a proven Championship striker in Adam Armstrong.
“It’s a game we’re looking forward to, to enjoy the environment and show them we are a decent team,” adds former Blackburn Rovers, Coventry City and Celtic boss Mowbray.
“I feel as if we have to have the confidence to go there and take them on. We’re not going there to defend with everyone behind the ball all game. Now, if they push you back because of their quality and talent and you have to defend with everybody, then you have to do that.
“But our intention is to go to Leeds and play on the front foot, be aggressive and see if we can wrestle some of the game away from them.”
Daniel Farke praises Mowbray impact as West Brom chase top-six spot
Leeds host West Brom at Elland Road looking to maintain a 16-game unbeaten run in league action. The club’s longest run without a defeat since they won England’s First Division with the likes of Lee Chapman and Eric Cantona back in 1992.
Leeds can still break the all-time Championship record points total as well, set by Steve Coppell’s Reading nearly two decades ago.
Daniel Farke is not taking play-off-seeking West Brom lightly, however. Not with Armstrong leading the line and Mowbray shouting encouragement from the touchline.
“West Brom are a pretty strong side. They are in fifth. For that, we have to be switched on and keep going in the small details,” Farke said during his own press conference. “I’m not getting too carried away. We want to ride this momentum.
“I like when you see a manager works methodically. [Mowbray’s] principles are always clear to see.
“We have faced sides fighting for the top two and you have to be patient. You never know before the game [what the opposition will be like but] West Brom are always very structured behind the ball.
“I like Mowbray’s ‘handwriting’. He loves [his team] to play football. They have dominated possession like no other team in this division. They have lots of experience and have lots of high quality players. Since he took over, he has more than 60% possession in his games.
“I really like his approach, especially against the ball.”
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