Carlos Corberan to drop Matt Phillips in two changes – West Brom predicted XI v Preston
Carlos Corberan could drop Matt Phillips and Yann M’Vila when West Brom host Preston North End at The Hawthorns on 4 May.
The Baggies’ winless streak extended to three games after their shock 3-0 defeat at relegation strugglers Sheffield Wednesday on 27 April and Corberan will be hoping for a significantly improved performance from his men against Preston.
The upcoming clash is the final game of the regular Championship season, with a point all West Brom need to secure a playoff place – unless Hull City beat Plymouth Argyle by a margin of 11 goals or more.
M’Vila and Phillips were surprise starters against the Owls and could both be replaced after sub-par performances that saw them substituted after less than an hour, with the Baggies trailing 2-0.
Phillips in particular may not be fit to start two games in quick succession, with Corberan revealing that the winger’s fitness has needed managing this season.
Alex Mowatt and Brandon Thomas-Asante to return for West Brom?
Alex Mowatt’s exclusion from the starting line-up against Sheffield Wednesday was a surprising decision from Corberan and – based on the result – not necessarily a good one.
Mowatt is Corberan’s fourth-most used player across all competitions this season, with the midfielder racking up 3,389 minutes in 45 appearances [Transfermarkt].
He has been a key player for the Baggies and it is likely that the Baggies boss will look to restore the 29-year-old to the starting line-up alongside Okay Yokuslu in midfield.
Brandon Thomas-Asante could also return to the side after being named on the bench against Sheffield Wednesday despite being available for selection again after serving a one-match ban after being sent off against Sunderland.
Corberan revealed that the striker was not fit enough to be used from the first whistle in that game and did not train at the beginning of the week, but has since returned to work with the main group as normal and should be able to start this time around [BirminghamLive].
Captain Jed Wallace has been deployed up front in his absence but, with the 25-year-old back, the skipper can return to his more natural right-wing berth.
Additionally, Thomas-Asante remains West Brom’s top scorer this season with 11 goals and his threat will be a boost as the Baggies look to secure a top-six finish with a result against Preston.
Fellow striker Josh Maja could also play a part, but he is most likely to be involved off the bench.
No change is expected to be made to the defensive unit, while Grady Diangana and Mikey Johnston are also expected to retain their starting berths.
In other West Brom news, the Baggies are likely to sign a young Everton prospect.
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