George Overhill

Sun 3 April 2022 14:04, UK

Steve Bruce’s West Brom starting XI has been confirmed for the major derby clash with Birmingham City in the Championship.

The Baggies suddenly put together a run of form before the international break and are unbeaten in four, with two wins in that time.

It’s an unchanged starting line up today, but striker Andy Carroll is fit again to take his place on the bench.

Sam Johnstone is in goal as usual, behind a defence of Kyle Bartley, Matt Clarke and Semi Ajayi.

Darnell Furlong and Conor Towsend are the wing-backs, with a central three of Jake Livermore, Taylor Gardner-Hickman and Alex Mowatt.

Karlan Grant and Callum Robinson are partnered up front.

Late surge?

The news this week that January signing Daryl Dike is likely out for the rest of the season was a major blow.

It had been hoped that the American would soon be available again and that an injection of goals from him could power a late run into the playoffs.

That isn’t going to happen now, but Bruce’s men currently sit eight points below sixth with games in hand on some of the teams up there, so it is not out of the question.

After finally picking up the first win of the new boss’ reign against Hull, late fireworks secured 2-2 draws against both Huddersfield and Bristol City.

Arguably the strongest performance of the season also got a impressive 1-0 win over run-away table-toppers Fulham.

That certainly suggests there is something about this team at the moment, so the potential is there to remain in the conversation for the rest of the season.

There is virtually no room for error though after the midseason slump, but a derby clash against Midlands rivals should get the players fired up to put in a performance, and fans will hope to have bragging rights by the end of the day.

In other West Brom news, a finance guru has suggested a “deliberate ploy” at the club.

Be sure to follow West Brom News on Facebook for 24/7 updates on the Baggies plus more exclusive interviews with Kevin Phillips.