View: West Brom predicted XI v Bournemouth
Steve Bruce is expected to shuffle the pack for West Brom when they take on Bournemouth in the Championship on Wednesday night.
The Baggies saw a four-game unbeaten run come to an end on Sunday as they were beaten by local rivals Birmingham, all but ending their hopes of a playoff spot this season.
That should see Bruce make some changes to the side as he starts to plan for next season and give some players an opportunity to shine.
Sam Johnstone won’t be at the club next season if rumours are to be believed, but he will start in goal here as the best keeper at the club.
In defence the manager will likely stick with his usual 5-3-2 formation but there should be a change in the centre of the pitch.
Kyle Bartley and Semi Ajayi have been mainstays in the centre of defence under Steve Bruce and should keep their place, but Matthew Clarke’s loan deal from Brighton is set to expire.
It’s unknown if he will return to the Hawthorns next season, but that should be enough reason to bring Dara O’Shea back into the side in his preferred role.
Full-backs Darnell Furlong and Connor Townsend have largely performed well this season and should continue on the flanks respectively.
Captain Jake Livermore’s return from suspension coincided with the good form of side and after extending his contract for another year he will continue in his holding role.
Ahead of him, youngster Taylor Gardner-Hickman has been excellent in central midfield and should continue but he could be joined by Jayson Molumby who will see his loan move made permanent during the summer.
In attack Karlan Grant should continue up front as the top scorer, but Callum Robinson should make way for the in-form Andy Carroll who is fit again after injury.
Predicted West Brom XI: Johnstone; O’Shea, Bartley, Ajayi; Furlong, Gardner-Hickman, Livermore, Molumby, Townsend; Grant, Carroll.
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