Jake Livermore to miss out, Gardner-Hickman keeps place as pundit predicts West Brom XI v Reading
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 expects Taylor Gardner-Hickman to keep hold of his spot in the West Brom starting line-up when they take on Reading at The Hawthorns on Saturday.
Gardner-Hickman, 19, shone for the Baggies last weekend and won Sky Sports’ man of the match award in the 2-1 win away at Coventry.
He played in the centre of the midfield alongside Alex Mowatt with Jake Livermore and Jayson Molumby suspended and Robert Snodgrass injured.
Despite Livermore and Molumby both being available to play against Reading this weekend, Phillips feels as though Valerien Ismael will go with an unchanged midfield and will only tinker with his attack ahead of the Championship clash.
“I have to say, Gardner-Hickman was outstanding,” Phillips told West Brom News. “He was a little bit nervous at the start and gave the ball away a bit but he grew into the game and showed a bit of maturity about himself.
“Between him and Alex Mowatt, the balance was really good. When Gardner-Hickman went forward, Mowatt sat back and when Mowatt went forward, he sat.
“It’s going to be a tough game this weekend even though it’s at home but I would like to see the kid get another go.
“They’ve had a good rest so I think that Ismael will stick with a winning side.
“We know he likes to change that front three so there’ll be at least one change. But why would you mess about with it? I’d leave it as it is.
“Gardner-Hickman got man of the match so it would be a bit of a blow to him if he didn’t start. I expect Ismael to go with the same midfield two.”
Gardner-Hickman made his third Championship appearance for the Baggies against Coventry.
He’s left a lasting impression upon fans with each of his displays.
Previously, we’d only seen him perform at right-back, where he’s done well. But in the midfield against the Sky Blues, he was tremendous and it would be a great injustice if he’s dropped for Livermore.
In other West Brom news, Phillips wants Albion to sign this available Arsenal player in January.
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