Wholesale changes, Taylor Gardner-Hickman starts – West Brom predicted XI v Sheffield United
West Brom are still looking for their first win of the season and will be hoping to progress to the Carabao Cup 2nd round when they face Sheffield United on Thursday.
The Baggies opened the season with consecutive 1-1 draws against Middlesbrough and Watford, with the team turning in good performances in both games.
Now with a cup game against the Blades coming in midweek, Steve Bruce has a chance to shuffle the pack a little and give other players a chance to try and get that first victory.
In goal we could see a change. David Button has been installed as the number one this season and atoned for being lobbed from the halfway line by saving Ismaila Sarr’s penalty against Watford.
But this is a chance for Bruce to give Alex Palmer a game as his new number two, and it’s likely he gets the nod between the sticks.
Defensively there aren’t many options for Bruce with the squad quite thin, but there will still be a couple of new faces involved. Dara O’Shea could shift over to right-back to allow Kyle Bartley to slot into the middle with Semi Ajayi, while Taylor Gardner-Hickman could come in at left-back for his first minutes of the season.
In midfield Okay Yokuslu came off the bench against Watford and could be ready for more game time from the start, and he could be partnered by Alex Mowatt who has only featured for one minute so far in a deeper role.
In attack there are options. Daryl Dike looks set for another spell out on the sidelines with a thigh injury, meaning Karlan Grant will continue as the number 9 after Kenneth Zohore was told he is free to leave.
Matty Phillips started the first game of the season on the wing and could return for this game, while Adam Reach has been someone Bruce has liked since he arrived and could also get the nod in his more natural wide position.
To add a goal threat, John Swift could continue in the number ten role as Bruce looks to integrate him into the side as a key member of the squad.
Predicted West Brom XI vs Sheffield United: Palmer; O’Shea, Ajayi, Bartley, Gardner-Hickman; Yokuslu, Mowatt; Phillips, Swift, Reach; Grant
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