Daniel Feliciano

Wed 27 December 2023 19:10, UK

Carlos Corberan could be set to make several changes to his West Brom starting lineup ahead of their Championship clash with Leeds on Friday night.

The Baggies claimed a big 1-0 win over Norwich on Boxing Day to keep their playoff charge going, while Leeds fell to a 2-1 defeat on the road to Preston to fall to fourth place.

Now with such a short turnaround between games and such high stakes, the boss could look to freshen things up in key areas while continuing to deal with major injury problems across the squad.

Alex Palmer has stepped in as the number one since Corberan took charge and looks as comfortable as ever, meaning he is expected to start as usual ahead of Josh Griffiths.

In defence Darnell Furlong and Conor Townsend continue to be the starting full-backs with Pipa out injured, but Semi Ajayi could return to the starting lineup ahead of veteran Kyle Bartley to partner Cedric Kipre before he heads off to AFCON with Nigeria in the new year.

In midfield Okay Yokuslu is arguably the most important midfielder in the squad, and the boss could look to add more energy to the side by bringing in Irish international Jayson Molumby to replace Alex Mowatt in the deeper role.

Jeremy Sarmiento was left on the bench against Norwich but his direct dribbling and pace could be a key to unlocking a tough defence so he should start, while Grady Diangana is in good form and should also start before he also heads to AFCON with DR Congo.

Between them in the number ten role John Swift returned to the side against Norwich and played well so should keep his place, but captain Jed Wallace may see his position change.

Brandon Thomas-Asante is the only fit natural striker available with Josh Maja and Daryl Dike still out, and with a hectic schedule Corberan may put the ex-Salford man on the bench and move his skipper into the number nine role.

In other West Brom news, Corberan wants to sign Liverpool sensation on loan in January.