West Brom: Carlos Corberan should axe Erik Pieters v Millwall after what happened in March
West Brom boss Carlos Corberan should consider starting Kyle Bartley ahead of Erik Pieters for the Baggies’ Championship meeting with Millwall.
Pieters produced a poor first-half performance in West Brom’s last outing against Bristol City, leading Corberan to make a change at the break despite the Baggies leading 1-0, courtesy of Tom Fellows’ goal shortly before half-time.
Albion eventually ran out 2-0 winners, with skipper Jed Wallace’s 50th-minute effort granting his side a cushion that the Robins were unable to overcome.
Carlos Corberan should persist with his half-time change
Bartley was the man introduced at the interval in Pieters’ stead, and Corberan may be minded to deploy the Englishman from the start next time around.
The substitute proved more secure in possession, recording a 96 per cent passing accuracy to his counterpart’s 86 per cent – though Pieters did attempt more passes (43 to 26).
Bartley also boasts a greater aerial presence, standing at 6’3″, while his Dutch teammate is three inches shorter. That is represented in the former’s 4.25 aerial duels won in the Championship per 90 this season – according to FBref – a far superior record to Pieters’ 1.95.
That prowess in the air has also helped Bartley pose a threat at set-pieces, recording three goals and an assist this term. Pieters, meanwhile, has yet to contribute to a goal in 2023/24.
Bartley’s second-half showing against Bristol City, as well as his strong performances over the course of the campaign, suggest he deserves to take Pieters’ place in the starting line-up against Millwall.
In other West Brom news, a Baggies loanee is contemplating a permanent Hawthorns exit.
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