Brandon Thomas-Asante to be axed, Daryl Dike to start – West Brom predicted XI v Rotherham
West Brom manager Carlos Corberan may make just one change to his starting XI for the match against Rotherham on Friday (7 April).
The Albion are heading into the final eight matches of the Championship season, with the club currently sitting in ninth place following the goalless draw with Millwall on Saturday (1 April).
The draw at The Hawthorns leaves the Baggies five points off the playoff places, with Corberan’s men now keen to close that gap when they travel to Rotherham.
Josh Griffiths has enjoyed a strong run in the starting XI and is expected to continue as goalkeeper, with Darnell Furlong and Conor Townsend set to continue their roles at right and left-back respectively.
With on-field captain Dara O’Shea expected to be ruled out for the remainder of the season following a knee injury suffered in the Republic of Ireland’s defeat to France last month, Semi Ajayi will remain in the starting XI.
And he will be joined at centre-back once again by Erik Pieters, with the experienced defender enjoying a strong campaign for the Albion.
That should be more than enough to help protect young goalkeeper Griffiths, with the Baggies keen to continue their fine record of clean sheets, which now stands at four from their last six league matches.
In midfield, O’Shea’s international teammate Jayson Molumby was also injured against France and is now expected to be sidelined for a number of weeks with a groin issue.
He will, therefore, watch on as Nathaniel Chalobah partners Okay Yokuslu in midfield, the same duo that started the clash against Millwall.
Also expected to keep their places are attacking trio Jed Wallace, John Swift and Adam Reach, with the only change expected at the very front of the pitch.
After his international exploits with the USA, Daryl Dike could only make an appearance from the bench against Millwall, with Brandon Thomas-Asante getting the nod up top.
But the pair look set to switch this time around against Rotherham, with Corberan dropping Thomas-Asante, with the boss desperate for a goal from marksman Dike.
In other West Brom news, Yokuslu sent a social media message to the Albion fans after their disappointing 0-0 draw against Millwall.