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 spotlights Leeds United’s dangermen, Manor Solomon and Dan James.
“How will we stop them? “Many teams tried this year, but few succeeded,” confesses Mowbray. They have a lot of threats, including Solomon and Dan James, who is likely playing his finest game.
“They have good players all across the pitch, and they attack from all angles. They’re difficult to get off your back, and the stadium is usually a maelstrom of noise. [The home crowd] cheer them on.”
Leeds are comfortably the most prolific team in England’s second tier, having already scored 71 goals.
Solomon, James, and Golden Boot contender Joel Piroe have all contributed significantly to a score that is currently 27 goals higher than the Baggies’, despite the fact that West Brom now have an experienced Championship striker in Adam Armstrong.
“It’s a game we’re looking forward to, to enjoy the atmosphere and demonstrate that we’re a decent team,” said former Blackburn Rovers, Coventry City, and Celtic manager Mowbray.
“I believe we must have the confidence to confront them. We’re not going there to defend with everyone behind the ball for the entire game. Now, if they push you back because of their quality and talent and you have to defend against everyone, you must do so.
“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 would be like but] West Brom are always highly structured behind the ball.
“I prefer Mowbray’s ‘handwriting’. He enjoys seeing [his team] play football. They have dominated possession unlike any other team in this division. They have extensive expertise and a large number of high-quality players. Since taking over, he has averaged more than 60% possession in his games.
“I really like his approach, especially against the ball.”
