Josh Maja returns, one debut – West Brom predicted XI vs Stoke City
West Brom will be striving to get back to winning ways when they travel to Stoke City on Saturday.
Ryan Mason’s side had to settle for a 1-1 draw with Portsmouth in their last Championship showing, with Pompey coming from behind to secure a valuable point.
As for Stoke, they have won all three of their league matches, but will be looking to avenge their 3-0 Carabao Cup defeat to Bradford City at the Bet 365 Stadium.
Josh Maja returns while Tom Fellows and Darnell Furlong depart
Mason will be absent from the West Brom dugout as he will serve a one-match touchline ban after being dismissed against Pompey.
However, the Baggies’ manager will not be the only familiar face absent as Tom Fellows and Darnell Furlong are set for moves away from the Black Country club.
Fellows is closing on a transfer to Southampton in a package worth £10million, while Furlong is nearing a £4m move to Ipswich Town.
Josh Griffiths is expected to continue in goal, while Callum Styles, Nat Phillips, George Campbell, and Krystian Bielik could make up the back four.
Bielik joined West Brom from Birmingham City, but was absent against Portsmouth, meaning he could make his debut if available.
- Bielik has 129 Championship appearances to his name
- Secured the League One title with Birmingham
- Came through the ranks at Arsenal
Of course, Chris Mepham has just completed his move to West Brom, so he could start in place of Bielik or Campbell if available.
Alex Mowatt and Jayson Molumby should continue their partnership in central-midfield, with Isaac Price moved out wide right and Mikey Johnston on the left.
Up top, Aune Heggebo is expected to lead the line, while Josh Maja could slot in behind the Norwegian.
Read more: Fans all say the same thing about Ipswich after Darnell Furlong update at West Brom
West Brom and Stoke City set for ding-dong Championship battle
Although it is early in the season, the clash between the Baggies and the Potters is set to be a big one.
Mark Robins’ side have won three from three and sit top of the Championship after wins over Sheffield Wednesday, Derby County, and Southampton.
While Stoke were battered by Bradford in the Carabao Cup, Robins named a much-changed side for the match.
As for the Albion, they have looked solid under Mason, but could feel the effects of losing Fellows if he is left out as expected.
It is far too soon to suggest that the game is pivotal, but if the pair carry on their Championship form, then they should be right in the mix come the end of the campaign.
Sign up for the West Brom News WhatsApp channel and turn on notifications to have all the latest, breaking West Bromwich Albion news sent straight to your phone.