Three changes, new system for Bruce – Predicted West Brom XI vs Sheffield United
West Brom are expected to line up in a new formation and make three changes to their Championship clash against Sheffield United on Wednesday.
The Baggies were defeated by Millwall last time out which saw them part ways with Valerien Ismael, replacing him with Steve Bruce as manager on an 18-month contract.
The new boss has already promised change since taking over and that should reflect in the first starting lineup he selects as manager of the club.
The biggest change will be the system, with Bruce likely to revert to a four-at-the-back formation to help get the best from his attacking players who have struggled this season.
Sam Johnstone should return in goal as the best keeper in the squad, following a fall-out with the previous manager which saw him dropped.
Darnell Furlong and Conor Townsend will revert to full-back roles instead of playing as wing-backs, while Kyle Bartley should partner Matthew Clarke in the heart of the defence.
In midfield, Bruce will look for experience and combative abilities as well as technical play so a trio of Jake Livermore, Jayson Molumby and Alex Mowatt is expected to get the nod.
Karlan Grant is the top scorer this season and should start on the left, while Grady Diangana impressed against Peterborough and should get the nod on the right to provide pace and crossing for target man Andy Carroll up front.
Callum Robinson is pushing for a start as the centre-forward, but Bruce tends to prefer a target man type up front. However his previous relationship with Carroll isn’t the best, so he could switch that here.
Predicted West Brom XI vs Sheffield United – Johnstone; Furlong, Bartley, Clarke, Townsend; Livermore, Mowatt, Molumby; Diangana, Carroll, Grant.
In other West Brom news, ‘We will change’ – West Brom fans told what to expect on the pitch by Steve Bruce