Johnstone back from the cold: West Brom confirmed XI vs Sheffield United
Steve Bruce has named his first team as West Brom manager which includes a return in goal for England international Sam Johnstone.
The 28-year-old had a falling out with previous manager Valerien Ismael and was omitted from the team as a result but Bruce has brought him back in.
He is among four changes from Ismael’s final game against Millwall as Semi Ajayi, Adam Reach and Grady Diangana come back in replacing Kyle Bartley, Cedric Kipre and Matt Phillips.
Victory for the Baggies could see them move level on points with Huddersfield on 48 but defeat might see West Brom drop out of the playoffs altogether.
Crucial to start well
With a new manager at the helm, West Brom simply must start fast at Bramall Lane and pick up three points to take back to the Midlands.
The Blades are among the chasing pack, which is growing bigger by the game, and could go above the Baggies but only if they win by a ridiculous margin.
Bruce will have the players well-drilled and hopefully confident again after a good period of time on the training ground with no FA Cup game at the weekend.
He will be hanging his hopes on the attacking trio to find their form again and fire the club back into gear rather than reversing down the Championship league table.
Johnstone return is sure to boost the backline as is Ajayi’s with Bartley out injured.
Diangana’s inclusion in attack is sure to terrify the Sheffield United defence with his direct running and explosive pace a nightmare to deal with when he is on top form.
This is a massive night for the Baggies and they need a result regardless of how it comes.
In other West Brom news, a document has confirmed a major exit from The Hawthorns in the past 24 hours.