Aune Heggebo, Nat Phillips? Which players could make West Brom debut v Blackburn?
West Brom’s season opener against Blackburn is right around the corner as they look to kickstart a positive 2025/26 campaign.
The summer transfer window hasn’t put Ryan Mason’s squad in good standing, and Baggies supporters have been left worried about what’s to come this season.
The Albion have made just three new additions to their squad, tightening up their defence and adding firepower up top with Aune Heggebo.
However, Mason has watched plenty of targets fly by, and he has yet to use his connections within football to add to the squad.
Heggebo and Nat Phillips could make their debuts v Blackburn
West Brom’s squad currently doesn’t look the most exciting, with the likes of Daryl Dike and Tammer Bany out injured.
Devante Cole started some of the Baggies’ preseason friendlies, despite failing to start a single game last season.
| Stats per 90 minutes from the 2025 Eliteserien campaign | Aune Heggebo |
| Goals | 0.85 |
| xG | 0.70 |
| Shots | 3.02 |
| Shot on target | 1.39 |
Mason won’t want Cole as his starting striker; therefore, Heggebo could get the chance to make his debut in the Championship opener against Blackburn at The Hawthorns on Saturday (9 August).
At the back, Nat Phillips is expected to also make his competitive debut for the Baggies.
Given the uncertainty surrounding Tjoborn Heggem’s future, the Norwegian is unlikely to feature in the first-team squad, with Bologna pushing hard for his signature.
With Darnell Furlong and Callum Styles expected to start on either side of the two centre-backs, the door could open for a new defensive partnership.
The versatile George Campbell could come in and also round out a lineup of competitive debuts for the Baggies.
Mason faces a predicament in goal
The Baggies have left their number one shirt vacant for the coming season, highlighting Mason’s desire for a new goalkeeper.
- Josh Griffiths impressed on loan at Bristol Rovers last season in League One
- He has now been a regular feature for West Brom in pre-season
- Mason may opt to stick with the youngster despite his error last week
However, the West Brom boss must decide whether he wants to start Joe Wildsmith or Griffiths in goal for their Championship opener.
Both have had disappointing auditions over the summer, with Griffiths’ form specifically taking a nosedive since he returned to the West Midlands from his loan with Bristol Rovers in February.
Mason looks likely to still select the 23-year-old for the opener, though should he continue to play poorly, the Baggies could accelerate plans for a new number one.
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