West Brom predicted XI v Oxford: Diangana axed in three changes
Tony Mowbray could make several changes as West Brom take on Oxford United this weekend.
The Baggies host Gary Rowett’s men at The Hawthorns this Saturday (22 February) having endured an inconsistent run of results, with Mowbray looking to figure out his best team.
While the defence is relatively settled and chooses itself, the attack could be a very interesting selection with a change in system possible.
Mowbray could drop Diangana and Lankshear
Mowbray has not only made different tweaks to his West Brom team since his arrival but also changed formations at times.
With Albion using both one and two up front of late, Mowbray may decide to revert to a pairing in attack after a poor display against Blackburn Rovers in the last home fixture (12 February).
Adam Armstrong should still start but may have Karlan Grant alongside him, which means Will Lankshear would have to drop to the bench. In having one less attacking player behind them as a result, the unpredictable Grady Diangana may make way for Jayson Molumby and Ousmane Diakite both to start.
With Jed Wallace having sustained an injury against former club Millwall last time out (15 February), the skipper will come back out of the starting XI with Tom Fellows likely to replace him. Mikey Johnston could start on the left, though it may be a toss-up between him and Diangana.
At the back, the same four will be expected to start as Kyle Bartley remains banned at the weekend. Semi Ajayi will again step in, as Joe Wildsmith starts in goal in a continued effort to prove he can replace Alex Palmer on a long-term basis.
West Brom need to reinforce play-off place
Admittedly, projecting how Mowbray will set up his team on Saturday is an enigma – there could be any number of players dropped and some surprise selections.
The inconsistency is a driving factor behind that, with three defeats, two wins and a draw so far patterning the returning Albion manager’s second stint.
Albion still occupy the final play-off place for now, two of which will certainly be taken by the unlucky pair from the four-way promotion race.
However, the chase is wide open, with a pack breathing down the necks of the Baggies. Even QPR, in the bottom half, are just four points adrift.
Once Mowbray’s team can carve out a steady run of positive results, the selection headaches should settle down in tandem.