Callum Styles keeps his place, new star set to debut – West Brom predicted XI vs Derby County
West Brom return to Championship action on Saturday when they take on Derby County at The Hawthorns.
The Baggies have enjoyed an unbeaten start to the new campaign, and a win this weekend could take them top of the table if Middlesbrough drop points in the early kick-off.
West Brom are celebrating The Hawthorns’ 125th anniversary with Saturday’s clash, which is a repeat of the first ever encounter that was played out at the iconic venue.
Ryan Mason faces several selection decisions ahead of the game, and with that in mind, West Brom News predicts Albion’s starting XI for the visit of the Rams.
Callum Styles starts as Samuel Iling-Junior makes debut
Callum Styles has caught the eye away from West Brom this week with some impressive displays for Hungary in their latest round of World Cup qualifiers.
The 25-year-old has come in for criticism at times during his spell in B71, but he has been largely excellent this season, and looks destined to keep new signing Charlie Taylor out of the team this weekend.
- West Brom have already kept two clean sheets from their four league outings
- The Baggies could go top of the Championship with a win
- Derby beat Albion on penalties in the Carabao Cup on 12 August
Mason is likely to favour the same defensive unit that kept a vital clean sheet against Stoke City last time out, and that should see George Campbell retain his spot at right-back, with Alfie Gilchrist having to wait a little longer to get his opportunity to impress.
However, in the attacking half of the pitch, the boss could hand out a debut to young winger Samuel Iling-Junior.
The Aston Villa loanee came through the door on deadline day, and a home game against a side who have had a poor opening to the season is the ideal opportunity to unleash him for his first start.
Club captain Jed Wallace is the likely man to miss out, with Mikey Johnston potentially switching across to the right flank.
West Brom need to take momentum into Middlesbrough clash
West Brom have genuine promotion aspirations this term, and with that in mind, it is vital that they come out of Saturday’s game with three points.
John Eustace’s side are likely to be a tricky proposition despite their poor start, and they have plenty of players who are capable of hurting opposition defences.
However, with a clash against fellow early pacesetters Middlesbrough on the horizon on 19 September, Albion need to sustain the momentum that they have built up heading into that clash.
We may still be in the early stages of the Championship season, but that is the sort of encounter that could potentially be decisive come May.
As a result, Mason and his men will be desperate to head into that game with their unbeaten record still firmly intact.
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