Grady Diangana axed in three changes – West Brom predicted XI v Blackburn Rovers
Tony Mowbray could make three changes when his West Brom side host Blackburn Rovers at The Hawthorns on Tuesday.
Mowbray’s side have a three-day turnaround after Saturday’s last-ditch 2-1 victory over Sheffield Wednesday, which saw Jayson Molumby pop up to net the winning goal in the 96th minute.
Albion may be hesitant to make changes off the back of a win, but with such a short break between matches, and his substitutions making the difference against the Owls, alterations will be in order.
There’s also the fallout of Kyle Bartley’s red card – coming after the full-time whistle went – to contend with, and the loss of his captain could leave Mowbray even more stretched than usual at the back.
Tony Mowbray to swing axe for West Brom v Blackburn
Mowbray has three clear decisions to make in three positions following his side’s improved second-half performance against Wednesday, one of which is enforced as Bartley faces a possible extended ban.
Not only is the Albion skipper set for a period on the sidelines, his late rush of blood will leave Mowbray short at the back, with Mason Holgate missing Saturday’s match through illness.
The Baggies boss will hope Holgate is well enough to feature against Blackburn on Tuesday, and if that is the case, he’ll come straight back into the side with no other available first-team options at centre-back.
Grady Diangana and Karlan Grant, meanwhile, both failed to impress out wide at The Hawthorns, with both substituted midway through the second half with the game goalless.
Their replacements, however, made all the difference, as Tom Fellows and Mikey Johnston showcased why Mowbray’s decision to bench the pair was a mistake by setting up both goals.
The duo will likely come straight back into the side with Fellows on the right and Johnston on the left flank, as Albion’s new-look frontline continues to take shape.
Tom Fellows to return for West Brom v Blackburn
Fellows and Johnston coming back into the side following their decisive assists against Wednesday is a striker’s dream, and that’s certainly recently signed Adam Armstrong will be feeling after scoring on his debut.
Having been starved of service by Grant and Diangana, Armstrong headed a Fellows cross home just seven minutes after the 21-year-old had entered the field of play, showing an immediate understanding.
With an industrious and effective midfield three of stand-in skipper Alex Mowatt, winning goalscorer Molumby, and new boy Isaac Price in a more advanced role, Albion have a solid platform to build from.
Furthermore, although Holgate being back in defence may raise eyebrows compared to the calming influence of Bartley, the Baggies veteran only has himself to blame for the ban which is coming his way.
Mowbray’s wait for defensive reinforcements to be fit again continues, meaning the rest of the backline picks itself, despite Darnell Furlong having some shaky moments of his own against Wednesday.