West Brom: Carlos Corberan must drag off Erik Pieters at HT v Bristol City, he looks vulnerable
Carlos Corberan must replace Erik Pieters at half-time in the West Brom game against Bristol City on Saturday (16 March).
The 35-year-old was handed a start at centre-back alongside Cedric Kipre, with Albion heading into the break with a 1-0 lead at The Hawthorns.
But the Dutch defender struggled on more than one occasion throughout the half as he gave away the ball a couple of times and allowed the Robins’ forwards to get in behind him.
There was some surprise expressed at Pieters starting the game after many believed Kyle Bartley would keep his place in the side.
The 32-year-old put in a solid performance last time out against Huddersfield Town, where he scored the crucial second goal in the 4-1 victory.
But it was his teammate, who replaced Bartley late on in the second half against the Terriers, that received the nod at The Hawthorns.
He had a difficult start to the game as the lively Tommy Conway took advantage of a mistake by the Dutchman and got into a dangerous position, but he couldn’t find a teammate with his ball into the box.
The Robins forward continued to cause the versatile defender problems throughout the half, with his pace posing a threat in behind.
Despite making one interception, Pieters didn’t win any ground duels or clearances throughout the first half [SofaScore].
The defender also gave away the ball five times as he misplaced a couple of passes when trying to play out from the back.
With left-back Conor Townsend on a yellow card, it could be a good idea to add a more natural centre-back in alongside him, with the experienced Bartley and Semi Ajayi both sitting on the bench.
It wasn’t a great half from the Baggies despite them heading in with the lead, with Corberan potentially tempted to add more stability to his backline.
In other West Brom news, Craig Dawson has aimed a dig at Albion after what happened against Wolves.
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