Despite the lack of urgency in the transfer market, the expectation was that Leeds still had more than enough quality to make a fast start to the season.
However, injuries to key attacking players and others angling for moves elsewhere have disrupted Daniel Farke’s efforts to put together a cohesive side.
Against Cardiff City and Shrewsbury Town, in the EFL Cup, the Yorkshire giants had to come from behind on both occasions to secure a 2-2 draw and a 2-1 victory respectively.
Most recently, though, Farke witnessed his side concede a last-gasp penalty at Birmingham City to succumb to a 1-0 defeat, leaving Leeds off the pace.
With the unsettled nature of this squad expected to last until the end of August, Farke is tasked with working a bit of magic to get his side into contention for after the international break.
For differing reasons, Carlos Corberan has been working with a level of uncertainty throughout his reign at West Brom, particularly more recently when the finances are not there to make inroads in the market.
Nevertheless, the Spaniard still has a first-team squad at his disposal that are capable of making an impact in this division and an academy system that has the potential to produce a couple of gems.
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After 2-1 defeats to Blackburn Rovers in the league and Stoke City in the EFL Cup, the Baggies desperately needed a response against Swansea City last weekend.
Although that came through a 3-2 success, West Brom were initially three goals ahead after 64 minutes before finding themselves in a position where they were clinging on for the full-time whistle.
This is the first meeting between these sides since Leeds posted a 3-1 win over West Brom at Elland Road at the back end of the 2020-21 season.
