Mikey Johnston returns, new signing handed debut – West Brom predicted XI vs Portsmouth
West Brom will be hoping to continue their 100 per cent start to the new Championship season on Saturday.
Their opponents at the weekend are Portsmouth, who will be keen to get back on track after a frustrating home defeat to Norwich last time out.
Ryan Mason’s substitutions arguably won the game for West Brom in their away victory over Wrexham last weekend, and the new boss has another important team selection ahead of them for the upcoming clash.
With that in mind, West Brom News predicts the possible Baggies XI that will go in search of three points against their visitors from the South Coast.
Krystian Bielik debuts as Ryan Mason makes two changes
The arrival of Krystian Bielik looks to be strong business from West Brom, and it would be no surprise to see the Polish international get his full debut this weekend.
The former Birmingham man was named on the bench for the trip to North Wales last week, but could come into the starting XI this time around after Mason watched his side ship two goals on the road.
George Campbell is the likely fall guy to make way for Bielik, as the boss goes in search of a central defensive partnership that he can build around.
Elsewhere in the side, Mikey Johnston is likely to return to the fold after a significant impact from the bench last week.
The wideman was only on the pitch for 18 minutes at Wrexham, but he set up both of the Baggies’ final two goals, and played a huge role in deciding the fate of the game.
With that in mind, the former Celtic man is expected to be rewarded with a start at The Hawthorns.
Across the rest of the lineup, Mason is likely to largely stick to the side that has delivered storng results for him so far.
West Brom have an easy run of games at The Hawthorns
West Brom’s form at The Hawthorns will be key to their fortunes once again this term, and they have the perfect opportunity to establish a strong home record over the next few games.
| Date | Opponent |
| 23 August | Portsmouth |
| 13 September | Derby County |
| 26 September | Leicester City |
| 18 October | Preston North End |
| 1 November | Sheffield Wednesday |
Starting with the game against Portsmouth, the Baggies have an extremely favourable run of home fixtures that will see them face teams who finished below them in the pyramid in seven of their next eight outings on home turf.
If Mason’s men can take a strong points return from that sequence of fixtures, then it would set the Black Country outfit firmly on their way towards the promotion push that everyone desires.
The clash against Portsmouth may not be a game that stands out on the calendar, but a win could spark a hugely promising run for West Brom.
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