Karlan Grant axed, four changes – West Brom predicted XI v Derby County
West Brom had their play-off hopes shattered after a 2-0 defeat away at Coventry City on Friday.
It was a disappointing afternoon for the Baggies, who went down to 10 men just after half-time when Callum Styles received a second yellow card.
Tony Mowbray’s men now sit six points away from the top six and with just three games left to play, finishing the season where they want to be is a tall order.
Nevertheless, a game against relegation-threatened Derby County awaits on Easter Monday, which does give the Albion a good opportunity to bounce back.
Mowbray turns to Grady Diangana
Josh Griffiths is expected to retain his place between the sticks for the clash against Derby, despite conceding two goals away at Coventry.
With the free hit in mind after more disappointment and Styles being suspended, Darnell Furlong, Kyle Batley and Torbjorn Heggem could all retain their places in the back line, but as a three.
Isaac Price should keep his spot, while Grady Diangana and Ousmane Diakite come into the line-up around him, the latter sitting deep.
Both Diakite and Diangana came on as substitutes against Coventry, and the latter received the highest FotMob rating of any Baggies player at 7.2.
There is certainly work to be done, but with six defensive actions, five recoveries and winning 80 per cent of duels, he could be what Albion needs to refresh the team.
Meanwhile, Alex Mowatt could drop to the bench after an underwhelming performance.
Armstrong could start for West Brom
Tom Fellows and Mikey Johnston will keep their places in the West Brom starting line-up, with Johnston one of the few players who came away from the Coventry clash with praise.
It certainly wasn’t his best performance but the 25-year-old got stuck in and was trying to make things happen in the hopes of fixing his side’s fate.
Karlan Grant could drop to the bench after having just 22 touches of the ball in 73 minutes on the pitch, with no shots on target in the game either.
| Grant v Coventry | |
| Minutes played | 73 |
| Passing accuracy | 62% |
| Shots on target | 0 |
| Touches | 22 |
| Touches in the opposition box | 2 |
Will Lankshear was also chosen by Mowbray to take on the Sky Blues, despite the fact that he is yet to get off the mark for Albion. The youngster hit the post but was taken off at half-time as Mowbray turned elsewhere.
Adam Armstrong has not covered himself in too much glory since his loan arrival, but the experienced Championship man has netted and did have the ball in the net against Coventry, albeit to see it ruled out for offside.
Daryl Dike has struggled with injuries this season, but could be awarded a start against Derby as he looks to get going in the Black Country.
There is nothing to lose now.