Pipa tipped to start in West Brom v Rotherham clash, local journo shares what he likes about him
Lewis Cox has tipped Pipa to earn a rare start for West Brom when they travel to bottom-of-the-table Rotherham United in the Championship on Tuesday (12 December).
The Express and Star journalist published his predicted XI for the newspaper online, and backed Corberan to move to a back three against the Millers, who have appointed a new manager in the form of Leam Richardson.
Spaniard Pipa, 25, only has one start since joining on loan from Ludogorets, but did provide the assist for Brandon Thomas-Asante in the 2-1 loss at Sunderland on Saturday (9 December).
Cox thinks Pipa now deserves a start, with manager Carlos Corberan rating his “versatility”.
“A rare start – it would be just his second in Albion colours after Coventry in late October,” he wrote.
“He provided a fine cross for Brandon Thomas-Asante’s headed goal late on in Sunderland and Corberan said his versatility could be useful.”
Why not?
There is no doubt the Baggies are reeling a little after suffering back-to-back defeats in the Championship, albeit a barnstorming clash at Sunderland was full of flash points and the Leicester City game before that they endured a heartbreaking last-gasp defeat.
Do not expect Corberan and his side to be looking for any pity, though. There is a glorious chance to bounce back against a Rotherham side who have struggled badly in the Championship this season, but they will be out to impress their new gaffer.
As for Pipa, well there has not been a great deal of action for the Spaniard since he moved to The Hawthorns on loan, but on the back of consecutive defeats it seems a good chance to hand him an opportunity.
He put in a great ball for Thomas-Asante at the weekend, and frankly it could be a good time to mix it up and try something new in a bid to get back to winning ways. Basically, why not?
In other West Brom news, David Prutton has predicted the outcome of the game for Sky Sports.