Carlos Corberan to axe Brandon Thomas-Asante – West Brom predicted XI v Southampton
Carlos Corberan could make the brave decision to drop Brandon Thomas-Asante when West Brom host Southampton at The Hawthorns on Sunday, 12 May.
The Baggies and the Saints will meet in the first leg of the play-off semi-finals with a place at Wembley – and then a spot in the Premier League – up for grabs.
Following their clash in the Black Country this weekend, the two teams will square off again in the second leg at St Mary’s Stadium the following Friday (17 May).
This is arguably Corberan’s biggest challenge to date since arriving at The Hawthorns, especially because Russell Martin’s side finished 12 points ahead of West Brom and did the double over them in the regular Championship season.
If the Baggies have any hope of reaching the play-off final and competing for a spot in next season’s Premier League, the West Brom boss must get his team selection spot on across both legs.
Carlos Corberan could drop Brandon Thomas-Asante for West Brom against Southampton
Alex Palmer had just one save to make during West Brom’s 3-0 victory over Preston North End at The Hawthorns on Saturday 4 May (Sofascore), and the shot-stopper should keep his place between the sticks.
Cedric Kipre and Kyle Bartley will likely start alongside each other in the heart of defence, with the latter scoring and winning three of his four aerial duels against Preston.
Darnell Furlong was sensational last time out as he scored, provided an assist, won a penalty and won 100 per cent of his aerial duels so he should keep his place in the team.
Corberan is likely to want to name an unchanged back four to maintain some stability, which would see Conor Townsend keep his place at left-back after playing two key passes and creating one big chance on the final day of the Championship season.
Okay Yokuslu and Alex Mowatt could both start in midfield, with the latter grabbing a goal from the spot against Preston while also playing three key passes and winning 100 per cent of his ground duels in that game.
Grady Diangana scored seven goals and provided eight assists in the Championship and could keep his place alongside Michael Johnston, who played three key passes in his most recent outing.
Tom Fellows came off injured against Preston and Corberan might choose to be cautious with the 20-year-old and start John Swift in his place.
Up front is where the manager could make his biggest gamble by replacing Thomas-Asante with Jed Wallace.
Thomas-Asante had an afternoon to forget against Preston, missing two big chances, completing just 71 per cent of his passes and winning just 40 per cent of his ground duels, and he could be dropped as a result.
In other West Brom news, Corberan must be wary of one Southampton ace after his recent admission.
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