Grant starts, Kipre on the bench – Confirmed West Brom team news v Villa
Sam Allardyce has named his first West Brom line up as he makes no changes to the side that drew with Manchester City last week.
The squad that started at The Etihad will have another chance to impress this evening with no fringe players given a start by the new boss.
The team news was announced on the club’s Twitter account before the game as fans waited to see Allardyce’s first Baggies team.
Sam Johnstone starts in goal with a defence of Dara O’Shea, Semi Ajayi, Darnell Furlong and Kieran Gibbs in front of him.
Romaine Sawyers, Conor Gallagher and Jake Livermore make up the midfield with Grady Diangana, Matt Phillips and Karlan Grant leading the attack.
Allardyce will be looking to get off to the best possible start in his first game as Baggies boss and he has the perfect opportunity to endear himself to the Albion faithful.
A win in a Midlands derby would be the best possible way for Allardyce’s reign to begin but his new side face a tough test against a talented Aston Villa.
The Villains notably beat Premier League champions Liverpool 7-2 earlier this season as the attacking quality of Jack Grealish was on show yet again.
However, Albion did pull off a shock draw at the Etihad through the week and another similar performance could be enough to secure another point or even more against one of their local rivals.
In other West Brom news, this Albion loanee has had his deal terminated early.
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