Jonny Drury's Preston v West Brom notebook

Pre-match

Runs are there to be stopped and West Brom can be the first team to beat Preston today.

For me, my main thought coming up here today, alongside the fact the Deepdale press food is spot on, is that Albion head here as underdogs. When is the last time we could say that?

Not since probably the pre Gary Megson days have Albion came to this ground with the home side as favourites to win.

But Carlos Corberan's men have been pretty steady on the road as of late, but what they do need to do today is take their chances.

Against a side in form such as Preston, when you get opportunities they will need to be taken.

Patience will be a key word. Ryan Lowe's men are a hard side to break down and one who do take their chances when they are presented to them.

Team news

Are we surprised. One four of them no but to see Brandon Thomas-Asante on the bench is a selection that underlines the severe lack of striking options.

With two other big games coming up this week, we can certainly understand why he has been rested.

Elsewhere, the system is a thinker. Will he stay at 3-4-3? If that is the case Phillips could remain as a wing back and Wallace would be the central striking option you would imagine.

Aside from that, the likes of Bartley, Mowatt and Diangana have all earned the right to start today.

Half-time

With my quiet Baggies optimism I felt they could do something here today - but not quite what we witnessed.

Superb, almost faultless from Albion.

The way both Furlong and Mowatt took their goals is something Albion have lacked in recent weeks, that sharp, clinical edge.

It isn't like they have had a mountain of chances but they have done is look quality in the final third.

They've worked the ball so well and with a little bit of fortune, they could be further ahead.

On the flip side, Preston have rarely troubled them and the switch to the back four has solidified Albion somewhat.

More of the same please.

Post-match

Wow, just wow. That was some performance from Albion from start to finish.

We wanted more of the same in the second half and they produced it.

From the get go in the second period Albion were at it.

It was a high intensity Albion display that we have been craving, certainly on the road.

The fact they have won 4-0 is the headline, however, the fact that they have won away at a previously unbeaten Preston takes a weight off.

The away day blues have dogged Albion for a few seasons now. Hopefully, that will now be banished.