Tom Fellows could be handed first start amid two changes – West Brom predicted XI v Middlesbrough
Carlos Corberan is preparing his West Brom side to face Middlesbrough in the midst of an injury crisis at The Hawthorns, looking to bounce back after a 1-1 draw with Stoke City last time out.
With six days of rest between the draw with Stoke and the visit to Middlesbrough, Corberan should be able to pick from the pool of available players at West Brom without too much concern over their match fitness.
An ongoing injury crisis has left the squad looking threadbare, but there is still a strong first XI to pick from, even if the backup options don’t appear as impressive as they could be.
Alex Palmer is likely to continue his run in goal, having proved to be arguably one of the best shot-stoppers in the division so far this season.
In front of him, the back four of Conor Townsend, Cedric Kirpe, Kyle Bartley and Darnel Furlong looks like it will remain unchanged from the clash with Stoke, with that structure having kept three clean sheets in their last six games, and a fluke goal the only thing that could beat them last time out. [Sofascore]
Semi Ajayi will be waiting in the wings if Corberan decides rotation is necessary but with almost a full week of rest since their last game, both Kipre and Bartley look set to remain the first-choice centre-back pairing.
The two covering midfielders sitting in front of the back line could have room for change. Okay Yokuslu has been one of Albion’s most consistent performers this season and should keep his spot as a result, but the depth in the position could tempt Corberan.
Jayson Molumby has made several substitute appearances recently and may be in line to start against Middlesbrough, with Alex Mowatt given a rest after his own run of starts.
Jed Wallace could remain as the number ten sitting behind the lone striker, with John Swift suffering a double injury to his calf and hamstring and looking unlikely to return for the clash, although Corberan admitted he is hopeful their top scorer won’t be out for too long. [Birmingham Live, 19 December]
Jeremy Sarmiento has drawn high praise from his boss and looked lively in the draw with Stoke as he looked to make something happen with his trickery and ambition to try things in the final third. He has earned that starting spot.
On the opposite flank, Corberan was less than impressed with Grady Diangana in the defeat to Stoke as he slammed his wasteful attacking line last week [Birmingham Live, 18 December]. As a result, Tom Fellows may be handed his first start after several impressive cameo performances this season.
Up front, Albion have just one real option to choose from. Another injury to Josh Maja means Brandon Thomas-Asante will look to continue his run of two goals in his last three games as the starting striker.
In other West Brom news, Albion could recall a loan star amid the injury crisis.