Brunt axes Wallace after comments – West Brom predicted XI v Bournemouth
West Brom could make three changes to their starting XI as they avert their attention to the FA Cup third round at AFC Bournemouth.
Tom Fellows, Kyle Bartley and Alex Mowatt are all in contention for recalls to the starting XI at the Vitality Stadium (11 January), with Jed Wallace, Mason Holgate and Ousmane Diakite possibly making way from the line-up at Swansea City last time out (4 January).
Albion interim manager Chris Brunt is likely to take another game in charge with the board aiming to appoint Carlos Corberan’s successor before facing Stoke City in the Championship on 18 January [Steve Hermon, 7 January].
Brunt admitted to the Express & Star (8 January) that his squad had felt the physical effects from the rigorous festive schedule, but had been granted a short period of time off to recover – which could benefit the temporary boss for his team selection against a tough Premier League host.
Chris Brunt to drop three players for West Brom at Bournemouth
While the West Brom squad may have struggled through the festive period with fatigue, what will please Brunt the most is the avoidance of any further injuries.
There may be a consideration to throw Joe Wildsmith an opportunity between the sticks, but the calibre of Andoni Iraola’s Bournemouth may see Brunt play it safer and stick with Alex Palmer, while bringing Bartley into the backline following his benching at Swansea.
Darnell Furlong, Torbjorn Heggem and Callum Styles should keep their places to complete the defence, while Mowatt’s return provides a significant boost, replacing Diakite who filled in for the past three games. Jayson Molumby should keep his place in the middle of the park alongside him.
Wallace has played only sporadic football in recent weeks and managed an hour at Swansea, but the rotation is expected to be halted against the top-flight Cherries with the in-form Tom Fellows returning to the XI.
Mikey Johnston should again be deployed out on the left flank, with Karlan Grant dropping back slightly for the underdog Baggies to help out more off the ball. Josh Maja should once again lead the line, having netted 12 goals this season so far.
In other West Brom news, another new name enters talks to succeed Corberan in charge at The Hawthorns.
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