Carlos Corberan to axe Darnell Furlong after shocker, four changes – West Brom predicted XI v Norwich
Carlos Coberan could be set to make several changes to his starting lineup ahead of the West Brom game against Norwich City on Tuesday (26 December).
One of those alterations may see Darnell Furlong drop to the bench following his shocking performance in the 1-0 defeat against Middlesbrough on Saturday (23 December).
The 28-year-old right-back was taken off by the Albion boss and was substituted by Pipa, who could be in line for a start on Boxing Day at the Hawthorns.
As the Spaniard looks to manage the hectic festive period, he is predicted to make four changes to the side that were beaten by Boro when the Canaries make the trip to the Hawthorns.
Alex Palmer will be disappointed to not have added to his clean sheet record in the past two matches, but he is likely to get another chance to do that in between the sticks on Tuesday, having registered 10 shutouts in 23 appearances this season.
Furlong, who recorded just a 73 per cent pass accuracy and missed one big chance against Boro [SofaScore], is predicted to be replaced by Pipa at right-back.
As Kyle Bartley may be handed a rest at centre-back, Semi Ajayi could come in to replace him and join Cedric Kipre in the heart of the defence, with Conor Townsend likely to keep his place at left-back.
The midfield is where things get a bit more complicated as Corberan has used several different combinations in that position so far this season.
After Okay Yokuslu received a rest for the best part of the last 20 minutes at the Riverside Stadium, he could be joined in midfield from the start against Norwich by Jayson Molumby, who is likely to replace Alex Mowatt.
Jeremy Sarmiento wasn’t very impressive against Boro as he was hooked by Corberan before the hour-mark, with the winger predicted to make way for John Swift.
With the 28-year-old moving into an attacking midfielder role, Jed Wallace and Grady Diangana are likely to take up their places on either flank at the Hawthorns.
That means Brandon Thomas-Asante is predicted to lead the line for Albion as he looks to get on the scoresheet again, having scored in two of his past four Championship appearances.
In other West Brom news, Mike Dean has weighed in on a controversial incident against Middlesbrough.