View: Rarely-seen WBA player could be back in contention after Aston Villa friendly
West Brom entertained Aston Villa in a behind-closed-doors friendly on Wednesday afternoon.
The Baggies named a number of rarely-seen players in the game at Bodymoor Heath, as they look to give those options more minutes.
Birmingham Live reported that the game finished with a 3-1 defeat for Albion, with Charlie Austin believed to have scored our only goal.
In an early report, the likes of David Button, Cedric Kipre and Rekeem Harper were said to be involved in the game, earning valuable minutes.
The result didn’t really matter in this one, it was more to keep up the fitness of players that haven’t yet got the chance in the Premier League.
Injured duo Hal Robson-Kanu and Sam Field would likely have also been involved if they were fit, but they will be made to wait for their return.
Slaven Bilic will have been wanting a response from these players, with it being made clear that no one is guaranteed a spot in the squad.
Romaine Sawyers missed out entirely against Brighton, and he will have needed to shine to come back in against Fulham on Monday.
Austin could be one of those who has proven himself to Bilic in the game, with his chances looking slim before this outing.
The veteran forward automatically jumped the pecking order with the injury to Robson-Kanu, but could he go even further?
Callum Robinson and Karlan Grant are two options in the final third, but with the Irishman coming on out wide against Brighton, there could be a spot up for grabs.
Austin has that predatory instinct that could be needed in a game like the one coming up against Fulham, and it would be no surprise to see him involved.
In other West Brom news, second exit could be sanctioned behind back of Slaven Bilic
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