Jeremy Sarmiento set for first start – West Brom predicted XI v Watford
Carlos Corberan will be looking to get his West Brom side back on track after Saturday’s 0-0 draw with Bristol City as they face a trip to Watford in the Championship.
The Baggies returned from the international break with a frustrating draw on the road, and a change will be needed if they want to break their poor run of form away from home – although the majority of the lineup could remain.
The Baggies failed to have a single shot on target against Bristol City, so will be looking to introduce more attacking players to help their cause at Vicarage Road, and Jeremy Sarmiento could benefit from that call.
Against Bristol City, Sarmiento’s impact was felt despite playing just 12 minutes from the bench. The winger completed 100% of his dribbles, crosses and duels won both aerially and on the ground, as he looked to make things happen for the side struggling for attacking inspiration [Sofascore].
He could come in for the underwhelming Jed Wallace who has struggled in the Baggies’ last few games. He made little impact in their last game, failing to complete any of his attempted crosses, winning no aerial duels, and losing possession 13 times.
Wallace also won just four of nine attempted ground duels and didn’t have a single shot in the game, in a disappointing return for a player who is supposed to be providing attacking influence. It would be a big call to drop the captain, but a necessary one.
There is a lack of depth at West Brom, and the manager will be all too aware of how little quality he has on his bench. Other than Sarmiento, there are no real game-changers.
Conor Townsend should come into the side in place of Matt Phillips, with the latter having struggled and got himself a booking against Bristol City, and was subbed off after 66 minutes in favour of Townsend.
Alex Mowatt could be handed his own first start of the season in place of either Jayson Molumy or Okay Yokuslu who looked average last time out, but the feeling is Corberan will stick with the majority of his first-choice side.
Josh Maja would have been in line for a start here after his impressive cameo in Bristol but picked up an ankle injury which looks set to rule him out.
The back three is pretty much set in stone with their performance at the back end of the pitch earning the side a clean sheet, and the struggles they faced when changes were made against Huddersfield.
In other West Brom news, Carlos Corberan has been stunned by one Baggies star this season.