West Brom predicted XI v Barnsley
We expect West Brom manager Valerien Ismael to make four changes for Friday’s Championship fixture against Barnsley.
Albion travel to Oakwell tomorrow night (17 December) aiming to achieve a third successive win after beating Coventry City and Reading.
The Tykes are enduring a horrid season and are eight points adrift of safety in 23rd place, having won just twice in 22 matches.
In contrast, the Baggies are growing in confidence and are now only three points behind the automatic promotion spots.
Rumours continue to link Sam Johnstone with a move away from the Hawthorns, but for now he is their undisputed number one.
Ismael was forced to go with a makeshift back three last weekend that included Jake Livermore and Adam Reach due to positive Covid-19 tests for four of his defenders: Matt Clarke, Semi Ajayi, Conor Townsend and Cedric Kipre.
However, all of them have been back in training ahead of the Barnsley fixture and providing they are match fit, we expect Clarke and Kipre to come in as centre-backs and Townsend to take his place in the left wing-back role.
On the right hand side, Darnell Furlong should keep his spot ahead of Taylor Gardner-Hickman who played on the left against Reading.
In the centre of midfield, captain Livermore is likely to partner Alex Mowatt, who will face his former club.
In attack, Grady Diangana is available again after missing the Reading fixture through illness and could start on the right. Top scorer Karlan Grant should continue on the left.
Callum Robinson’s goal against Reading was his first since August and should ensure that he keeps his place, but Jordan Hugill is likely to be dropped.
Here’s how we expect Albion to line up against Barnsley, with four changes in total.
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