Darnell Furlong could start for West Brom in clash v Middlesbrough – Kevin Phillips
We’re delighted to welcome former West Brom striker Kevin Phillips as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at The Hawthorns…
Kevin Phillips predicts Valerien Ismael to start Darnell Furlong over Taylor Gardner-Hickman in the right wing-back role when West Brom play Middlesbrough on Saturday.
Gardner-Hickman, 19, impressed as he made his league debut for the Baggies on Wednesday night in their 1-0 win over Hull.
Furlong, 26, was suspended for that game due to a red card against Fulham last weekend but he’s available for the upcoming clash against out-of-form Boro at The Hawthorns.
While Phillips is a firm believer of sticking with a winning team and he’d personally keep Gardner-Hickman in the side, the ex-Albion striker can see manager Valerien Ismael opting to start Furlong over the teenage ace.
Speaking to West Brom News about the selection headache, Phillips said: “It’s a tough one.
“I’m always one for saying if you’ve picked a team and they’ve won, I’m a great believer in picking the same team and letting them go again.
“But I understand why managers make the decisions they do.
“They bring the experienced players back in because they’re vital.
“I wouldn’t like to second guess Ismael’s plan – we try to guess his front-three throughout the season and we very rarely get it right – but it wouldn’t surprise me if he brought Furlong back in.
“Furlong is a very good player and he’s a threat with his long throw, especially if [Jordan] Hugill was to start.
“Personally, I’d go with the same team but I wouldn’t be surprised if Ismael changed it.”
Furlong has played 15 times in the Championship this season, playing every minute of every game until his 70th-minute red card at Fulham last Saturday.
He’s assisted three goals in those games and caused havoc with his long throws, ability to bomb forward down the right and aerial prowess.
In other West Brom news, Neil Lennon was thrilled with this Albion fringe player in the win over Hull.
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