Semi Ajayi to return to team, Erik Pieters to be axed after Watford horror show – West Brom predicted XI v Middlesbrough
Carlos Corberan could look to make some changes to his West Brom starting lineup for the Championship clash against Middlesbrough this weekend (25 February).
The Baggies have won just one of their last six games after an initial run of ten wins in 13 since Corberan’s arrival at the club in October.
Now they host an in-form Middlesbrough side at The Hawthorns this weekend, and the boss must make some big decisions on his team in order to keep their playoff hopes alive having fought so hard to get back in contention after a poor start to the season.
In goal Josh Griffiths looks set to continue ahead of David Button, with Alex Palmer still out injured for the next few weeks at least.
In defence Darnell Furlong and Conor Townsend have been good at full-back, using their energy to get up and down the pitch well while also providing a threat at the opposition final third.
Dara O’Shea has cemented himself as a first-choice option at centre-back, with the captain’s armband a great sign of his strong performances, but Erik Pieters has been struggling.
His most recent performance against Watford was a bit of a horror show, with his own goal ultimately the difference. Corberan could use this as a chance to bring in the experienced and quality Semi Ajayi to the side, who was on the bench at Vicarage Road, to start to build a formidable partnership between them.
Nathaniel Chalobah and Okay Yokuslu have formed a strong partnership in midfield but found themselves overrun recently by being outnumbered. That should see the boss adapt the system slightly by using John Swift in a slightly deeper role to help them out.
Jed Wallace has continued his excellent form so far playing as a number ten, but his best position is clearly on the right wing and he should be put back out there.
Marc Albrighton hasn’t ripped up any trees since arriving from Leicester City on loan on deadline day, and Grady Diangana should come in ahead of him in his preferred left-wing position to add more pace and direct threat out wide.
Up front Brandon Thomas-Asante and Daryl Dike have shared responsibility for the number nine position thus far, but the American is the more refined player and a bigger goal threat so should get the start in what is likely to be a close game.
West Brom predicted XI v Middlesbrough: Griffiths; Furlong, O’Shea, Ajayi, Townsend; Yokuslu, Chalobah, Swift; Wallace, Dike, Diangana.
In other West Brom news, Jed Wallace has shared what Corberan told the players after the defeat to Watford.
Be sure to follow West Brom News on Facebook for 24/7 updates on the Baggies plus more exclusive interviews with Kevin Campbell.