West Brom boss Carlos Corberan should axe John Swift at half-time v Cardiff City
Carlos Corberan must drag John Swift off at half-time v Cardiff City after an underwhelming first-half display from the West Brom man.
West Brom are looking to tighten their grip on the playoff places in the Championship, with the chance to move five points clear of seventh-placed Sunderland with victory over Cardiff City at The Hawthorns.
Corberan made three changes ahead of kick-off with Jed Wallace dropping to the bench while Mikey Johnston was handed his first start for the club since arriving on loan from Celtic in January.
And it was the dream start for Johnston, who got himself on the scoresheet with less than a minute played on Tuesday night (13 February).
There was very little in the way of goalmouth action following this lightning-quick start to the contest, which leaves the hosts with a 1-0 lead at the break.
Swift was one of the three changes made by Corberan but had an incredibly quiet first half, rarely providing any quality or threat in the final third, and has done little to suggest that he should emerge from the tunnel for the second half.
Corberan should bring Jed Wallace on for Swift at half-time
Swift was dropped by Corberan for the 2-2 draw with Ipswich Town at Portman Road on Saturday 10 February.
While he was reintroduced tonight, he hasn’t done enough in the first half to suggest that Corberan was wrong to leave him out last weekend and if anything he has justified his manager’s decision.
Tom Fellows and Johnston linked up for the Baggies’ opener and have been two of the best players on the pitch in the opening 45 minutes.
Swift on the other hand hasn’t done enough to support striker Brandon Thomas-Asante.
As per Sofascore, while he has completed 92 per cent of his passes, none of those have been key, and he has failed to attempt a single dribble or shot, while also giving possession away three times.
The one ground duel which he has won has been his only meaningful contribution of the match, and Corberan will want to see more in the attacking areas to ensure his side claims maximum points against the Bluebirds.
Wallace could replace Swift at half-time after the forward was left out by Corberan.
The 29-year-old has three goals and three assists in the Championship this season and will be keen to get off the bench in the second half and add to that tally.
In other West Brom news, the return of one star at the club is desperately needed after Corberan’s recent comments.
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