West Brom predicted XI vs Blackburn Rovers – Corberan makes three changes, Daryl Dike and Grady Diangana axed
West Bromwich Albion will be looking to swiftly get back to winning ways in the Championship when they host playoff promotion rivals Blackburn Rovers at the Hawthorns on Wednesday night [15 February].
The Baggies, fresh from Carlos Corberan’s contract renewal following interest from Leeds United surrounding their vacant managerial position, were outclassed by their cross-city rivals Birmingham City in a disappointing 2-0 defeat.
After a scintillating start under Corberan, the Baggies’ form has hit the rocks a bit, losing three of their last four games in all competitions after undergoing a tremendous six-match unbeaten run which included four consecutive Championship victories.
Albion’s place in the playoffs is far from guaranteed despite a drastic overall improvement under the stewardship of Corberan, with his men sitting in ninth place in the Championship table, two points off the top six.
And they can ill-afford another disappointing result when they take on a dangerous Blackburn outfit who sit just above them in the table on goal difference.
Corberan will be expected to name a strong line-up once again with the Baggies looking to get back to winning ways and enter the playoff places once again come Wednesday night.
And they would take plenty of encouragement heading into this contest, winning all of their last eight matches at The Hawthorns, the type of form which will always give a side a chance of mounting a promotion push.
Corberan has some tough decisions to make in terms of team selection after a disappointing performance at St Andrew’s on Friday night, with 21-year-old Joshua Griffiths a possible replacement for the unsettled Button in between the sticks. However, considering his lack of experience, Button could be lucky enough to continue.
Daryl Dike has failed to impress in recent matches, meaning Brandon Thomas-Asante could be handed his first start since the FA Cup third-round tie with Chesterfield, although Corberan has tended to keep faith in the American.
The Spaniard could well ring the changes in midfield too, with January loan signing Nathaniel Chalobah replacing Okay Yokuşlu in the centre of the park alongside Jayson Molumby.
The attack in behind Thomas-Asante could see some tweaks also. Grady Diangana did little to enforce Corberan’s trust in him against Birmingham City and could well lose his place to John Swift who could play in behind the lone frontman while Jed Wallace returns to his wide position on the left.
Marc Albrighton’s leadership and experience mean Corberan will be tempted to keep him in the XI following his struggles against Birmingham City.
Kyle Bartley and Matt Phillips remain sidelined with foot and muscle injuries respectively.
In what could be another feisty and intense encounter following what’s at stake in the Championship playoff race, Corberan will be highly expectant of his side to deliver a much-needed three points against Blackburn which could provide another timely boost for the weeks ahead.
In other West Brom news, Albion pulled the plug on a late loan signing on deadline day.