View: Steve Bruce to make one change – West Brom predicted XI v Middlesbrough
West Brom are still searching for their first goal under new manager Steve Bruce and he is expected to make one change to the team against Middlesbrough.
The Baggies fell to a 2-0 defeat away at Luton to make it seven losses in their last ten games and no goals scored in their last five games in all competitions.
Bruce is desperate to get a new lease of life from his squad, with the playoffs slipping further and further away with each remaining game passing.
Defensively, it’s been errors more than structure problems that have cost the team and a recent switch back to a three-man defence hasn’t really helped.
Sam Johnstone will still continue in goal as the clear best goalkeeper at the club, but he needs to up his levels once again to keep his side in games.
Semi Ajayi has been installed as a regular in defence under Bruce and should keep his place in the team, with Kyle Bartley and Matthew Clarke to partner him at centre-back.
Darnell Furlong made his 100th appearance for the club against Luton and should keep his place, but it’s possible Bruce looks to change it up and brings in Taylor Gardner-Hickman ahead of him. Conor Townsend will start at left wing-back.
Alex Mowatt and Jayson Molumby should continue in central midfield as the only natural options with Jake Livermore still suspended.
In a slight tactical change, Bruce is likely to go back to a three-man attack to try and get his first goal during his tenure as manager.
Top scorer Karlan Grant and striker Andy Carroll will keep their places, but the Adam Reach experiment must surely end. He has started every game under Bruce so far, but his performances don’t warrant that inclusion any further.
In his place, pacy winger Grady Diangana should come in to try and add an extra goal threat with some individual quality.
In other West Brom news, Steve Bruce backs injured duo to make big West Brom impact in promotion push