Mowbray makes his first error – West Brom confirmed XI v Middlesbrough
Tony Mowbray will leave West Brom fans scratching their heads after naming Mason Holgate in his first starting XI to face Middlesbrough on Tuesday.
Albion named their starting lineup on X (21 January), with no changes made from their 1-1 draw at Stoke last time out, despite Holgate having failed to impress yet again and Caleb Taylor being left on the bench.
Mowbray had been sat in the stands at the Bet365 Stadium before officially taking charge in this game, yet his decision to keep Holgate in the side won’t leave many fans confident of beating their direct play-off rivals.
Tony Mowbray takes gamble ahead of Middlesbrough v West Brom
Mowbray couldn’t be making his return to management with a better match-up, with fans of hosts Boro and the visiting Baggies adoring him for his respective achievements on and off the pitch at both clubs.
Given the injury situation the Mowbray has inherited, his defence picks itself, with Alex Palmer between the sticks as Darnell Furlong, Torbjorn Heggem and Callum Styles line up ahead of him.
However, Holgate has been at the root cause of several glaring errors for the Baggies since coming into the side as injury cover, and as one of their own, Albion fans would have hoped that Mowbray would back Taylor’s ability in the air against a goal-happy Boro side.
Alex Mowatt and Jayson Molumby have been the preferred defensive midfield pairing for Chris Brunt’s interim management team and Carlos Corberan before them, as Mowbray maintains that continuity.
Likewise, Tom Fellows’ strong form in the first half of the season has made him undroppable, while Mikey Johnston is finally back in the goals following a dry run since his permanent move from Celtic.
Diangana has been a much rarer feature in the first-choice XI so far this term, but his equalising goal at Stoke, having started in an unorthodox front two with Karlan Grant – who missed a golden opportunity late on – has assured his starting place.
In other West Brom news, Albion legend Tony ‘Bomber’ Brown slammed a “terrible” moment from one player against Stoke City.
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