View: West Brom predicted XI v Bristol City
Steve Bruce is expected to freshen things up for West Brom when they take on Bristol City at Ashton Gate Stadium on Saturday in the Championship.
The Baggies made it seven points from their last nine available with a 1-0 win over league leaders Fulham in midweek, with Bruce seemingly finding his best team for the run-in.
But with a few niggles and games in close proximity, he could see this as a perfect time to get fresh legs into the side against a team in 18th place with four defeats in their last five games.
Defensively, not much is likely to change.
The Baggies have conceded just twice in their last three games and both were courtesy of Sam Johnstone errors. He will keep his place between the sticks as he did against Fulham though, as he’s the best keeper at the club.
Ahead of him will see a three-man centre-back partnership between Semi Ajayi, Kyle Bartley and Matthew Clarke who have bonded well together to be organised, solid and good on the ball to build from the back.
Slightly ahead of them on the wings will see Darnell Furlong and Conor Townsend on the right and left respectively, with their good form contributing at both ends of the pitch in recent weeks.
In midfield, there is a chance for some fresh legs. Alex Mowatt had a slight knock ahead of the Huddersfield game and was then substituted against Fulham, so Bruce could give him a rest and bring in Jayson Molumby.
Bruce clearly rates the Irish midfielder having started him in four games in a row previously, and he could come in as a straight swap.
Jake Livermore will continue in his holding midfield role as captain, while youngster Taylor Gardner-Hickman is currently undroppable with his brilliant form and should start again.
Karlan Grant has three goals in three games as a striker and is the top scorer in the team this season so will therefore keep his place, but there is a decision to make with his partner.
Callum Robinson got the winner against Fulham but struggled prior to that, while Andy Carroll was excellent after replacing him as a substitute in the draw with Huddersfield.
With Bristol City likely to defend deeper, bringing in the physical presence and size of Carroll would suit well to get the Baggies further up the pitch and therefore expect the 33-year-old to get the start.
Predicted West Brom XI: Johnstone; Ajayi, Bartley, Clarke; Furlong, Molumby, Livermore, Gardner-Hickman, Townsend; Grant, Carroll.
In other West Brom news, Chris Lepkowski calls for West Brom ace to get new contract after recent developments