Taylor Gardner-Hickman to be axed, John Swift to start in two changes – West Brom predicted XI v Norwich City
Carlos Corberan is expected to make two changes to his West Brom starting lineup for their upcoming Championship clash against Norwich City at the Hawthorns on Saturday (29 April).
The Baggies fell to a disappointing 2-0 defeat to newly promoted Sheffield United in midweek, leaving their chances of securing a playoff spot hanging by a thread.
With just two games of their Championship season remaining, West Brom currently sit two points off Sunderland who occupy the last playoff spot in sixth.
Following the defeat to Sheffield United, Corberan will be expected to make changes to his depleted squad once again this weekend as they aim to keep their faint playoff hopes alive.
And one of those changes could see Taylor Gardner-Hickman come out of the team after the Spaniard confirmed he left the Bramall Lane pitch crying after his error against Sheffield United, and the academy starlet filled the creative no.10 spot against the Blades and that should allow Corberan to bring John Swift back in his usual settings.
Another change could also see Corberan bring back Marc Albrighton in the West Brom attack alongside John Swift and Jed Wallace behind Brandon Thomas-Asante after Karlan Grant failed to make the most of his starting opportunity on Wednesday [26 April].
After a lengthy injury layoff, Alex Palmer has re-established himself as the Baggies’ number one with a string of strong performances and is expected to start in between the sticks against the Blades.
Darnell Furlong and Connor Townsend have made the full-back positions their own this season and Corberan will hope that they can both add an extra string to West Brom’s attacking bow by supporting their respective wingers.
In midfield, the Spaniard is expected to keep the faith with his tried and trusted midfield pairing of Okay Yokuslu and Jayson Molumby, with Nathaniel Chalobah out through injury.
Further forward, Corberan is still without Daryl Dike, who is set to be sidelined for up to nine months, as well as Grady Diangana and Matty Phillips.
Brandon Thomas-Asante is therefore expected to lead the line, while Jed Wallace should be fielded on the right wing and John Swift in a central attacking position.
Marc Albrighton’s experience and defensive nous against a dangerous Norwich City side is likely to be a massive trump card compared to Karlan Grant. The forward has failed to set the world alight since being given a more prominent role in recent weeks and is therefore expected to be benched for this must-win clash.
In other West Brom news, a first-team player could be out until June if his injury return goes to plan, according to an injury expert.