West Brom: Journo shares change he expects Carlos Corberan to make
Express & Star journalist Jonny Drury “can see” West Brom manager Carlos Corberan reverting to a four-man defence over time.
Albion have favoured a 3-4-3 formation of sorts this season, with five across the back, two holding midfielders and Brandon Thomas-Asante as the focal point up top with two players in support.
It has contributed to some mixed success for the Baggies, who have won two, lost two and drawn four of their opening eight Championship games.
Speaking on the Baggies Broadcast podcast [27 September, 3m 47s], Drury said he expects to see a change of formation, although not in the short term.
“It wouldn’t surprise me,” he said. [Corberan’s] shifted formations a number of times. I would like to see Albion in a back four.
“There are pitfalls and positives to a back four. At the moment a back three protects those that are in it, such as Cedric Kipre.
“4-2-3-1 is probably the most natural shift. I don’t think it will happen soon, but I can see it happening – it wouldn’t surprise me.
“Let’s be honest, it hasn’t been a failure in this system. Albion have done okay, but only okay. Would they do better in a different formation…? I can see it happening.”
Lack of options
Albion’s start to the campaign is best described as “indifferent”.
Following a run of three straight draws, they find themselves 13th in the division, three points off the play-offs and five above the relegation zone.
It means that the result at Preston North End this coming Saturday [30 September] will go a long way to determining the mood of the fanbase.
A victory in Lancashire would make the start to the season seem a lot more positive; defeat and concerns will no doubt be raised.
Another draw, meanwhile, would point further towards this being a season that ends with the Baggies ensconced in mid-table.
Corberan is not exactly blessed with multiple options in every position, particularly when it comes to the centre-forward role.
The Spaniard therefore has his reasons for using three centre-backs and a couple of wing-backs, even if it means players having to plug gaps.
Ultimately, the results will determine whether the Spaniard sticks or twists.
And on the basis of some steady if not spectacular results to date, there is every chance the 3-4-3 formation will stay for a bit longer yet.
In other West Brom news, Drury also shared details on whether the Baggies are likely to sign a free agent.