Gallagher absence could see Yokuslu switch roles in West Brom v Chelsea
Okay Yokuslu has been a revelation at the base of the West Brom midfield but his limitless abilities may be required further forward v Chelsea.
The Celta Vigo only moved to the West Midlands on deadline-day in February but he has had a transformative effect with Albion going unbeaten during his first three starts for the club before two narrow defeats sandwiched a 0-0 draw with Newcastle United.
His tenacious tackling and perfect positioning have been seen in a deep-lying midfield role but Sam Allardyce could well put his skills into action in a slightly more advanced role at Chelsea on April 3.
That is because Conor Gallagher is ineligible to face his parent club at Stamford Bridge under the terms of his loan agreement and thus Big Sam will be forced to make at least one change to his line-up.
Gallagher, Yokuslu and Ainsley-Maitland Niles has been the midfield triumvirate pushing the team forwards in the absence of any real pace in the Albion ranks and the former’s absence will be a real blow.
They have been the trio selected for the previous six matches, since a creditable 1-1 draw with Manchester United on February 14, but it will be broken up in West London and at West Brom News we think an experienced head could be ready to return.
Quality options are pretty scarce on the bench which is why Jake Livermore might be called upon to make step in and make a rare appearance.
The £46,000-a-week [spotrac] ace is the club captain but these days is now a mere afterthought in the minds of Baggies supporters.
However unless Big Sam opts to abandon his current 4-1-4-1 formation, or makes a more attacking move to slot Matheus Pereira, Robert Snodgrass or Matt Phillips into central midfield, we think Livermore is the viable candidate.
An away fixture to Chelsea is likely to bring about incessant pressure on our defensive third of the pitch and with Big Sam’s cautious tendencies Livermore might be brought in from the cold after six games stuck on the bench.
Indeed he has not started a match since the dismal 2-1 defeat to Sheffield United on February 2.
A start for Livermore could push Yokuslu further forward, a position not unfamiliar with him as he has played 113 games in central midfield during his career, only five less than he has in a defensive midfield role [Transfermarkt].
12 goals and seven assists from that area shows he could be handy around the opposition box, too.
It’s tough times when we’re debating a recall for Livermore but that shows the level of our squad and the position we find ourselves in – beggars can’t be choosers.
In other West Brom news, Albion loanee suffers Friday-night horror show.
Be sure to follow West Brom News on Facebook and Twitter for 24/7 updates on the Baggies and more exclusive interviews with Kevin Phillips.