Grady Diangana benched as Semi Ajayi decision made – West Brom predicted XI vs Oxford
Carlos Corberan could make a couple of changes to the West Brom side who were held to a goalless draw against Millwall last time out.
West Brom will be hoping to end their three-game winless run this weekend when they face an Oxford side who have dropped just two points at the Kassam Stadium this season.
The Baggies’ previous fixture ended in a disappointing 0-0 draw against Millwall and Corberan might opt to switch things up a little as a result.
West Brom need to get back on track
Corberan has utilised just 20 players this season, according to TransferMarkt, which is the lowest in the division. However, having made some changes when his side faced Millwall, it didn’t pay off and it’s expected to see some of those players dropped due to their performances.
At large, West Brom’s defence picks itself. Darnell Furlong is one of the first names on the teamsheet alongside Semi Ajayi at the heart of defence, two players have been key in the Baggies’ successful start to the campaign.
Ajayi was caught up in the bizarre situation of being held at an airport in Libya with his Nigeria teammates without basic amenities for 12 hours during the international break but Corberan confirmed he would train on Thursday and you would imagine he will get the nod alongside Kyle Bartley despite the unusual experience.
Summer signing Gianluca Frabotta will likely have to wait for his chance to impress at left-back and will feature for the club’s Under-21 side as he looks to get acclimatised to English football. Therefore it is expected that Torbjorn Heggem will play that role.
Alex Mowatt is nailed on to start almost every game when fit and the weekend’s trip to Oxford will be no different. Jayson Molumby returned to Corberan’s starting 11 against Millwall and was arguably the best player on the day.
Grady Diangana is expected to be one of the names to be dropped to the bench after disappointing in the previous fixture, John Swift is an experienced professional at this level and can offer a significant threat from set pieces, something which West Brom may need to utilise if they are to come away from the Kassam Stadium with three points.
Tom Fellows’ name picks itself this season. The forward’s level of performance has attracted interest from around England and he has very quickly established himself as a top-level Championship player.
Mikey Johnston impressed on loan last season before an ambitious move paid off for the Baggies who were able to bring him to The Hawthorns on a permanent basis, however the lack of threat demonstrated against Millwall could see him miss out in favour of Karlan Grant.
As for the striker position, Josh Maja will certainly start. The former Sunderland academy prospect has been outstanding for his side this season, registering seven goals in nine games.
In other West Brom news, some Albion fans have been left baffled by what Corberan did to Devante Cole at The Hawthorns this season
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