Ryan Mason to make crucial change to accommodate West Brom star after Derby County loss
West Brom saw their unbeaten start to the season brought to a close by Derby County on Saturday.
The Rams scored a late winner against the balance of play to snatch all three points at The Hawthorns, as the Baggies celebrated the 125th anniversary of their home.
Ryan Mason’s West Brom side have made a fantastic start to the new campaign, but this weekend’s game has brought something of a reality check in terms of what they can expect moving forward.
The Championship is a ruthless league, and Albion were dealt a harsh reminder of that on Saturday. While one defeat is never cause for too much concern, Mason may be tempted to make a slight tweak ahead of next week’s trip to Middlesbrough.
Ryan Mason has to get Josh Maja into the team
Josh Maja has had a difficult few months at West Brom as he continues his steady return from a lengthy injury lay-off.
The striker didn’t feature for Albion beyond January last season and is now back making substitute appearances, but Mason surely has to find a way of getting him back into the starting XI after the evidence from the defeat to Derby.
| Stats | Albion Total | League Rank |
| Goals | 6 | =13th |
| xG | 6 | 13th |
| Shots on Target (per match) | 4 | =7th |
| Big Chances | 8 | =14th |
The Baggies fired 18 shots at the visitors’ goal, but hit the target with just four, as they came away having failed to make the most of their opportunities in front of goal.
Albion have created just eight big chances so far this season, which means that there is huge importance on those chances being taken when they do arise.
Maja is undoubtedly the most natural finisher at the club, and it is telling that he finished last term as his team’s top goalscorer, despite having spent almost half of the campaign on the treatment table.
If Mason can find a way of getting him in the team and keeping him fit, then he could complete an attacking unit that has the potential to be extremely threatening.
West Brom should switch to a diamond formation
Aune Heggebo’s physicality has been crucial for West Brom so far this season, as he has led the line effectively at the top of Mason’s 4-2-3-1 shape.
The Norwegian is already establishing himself as a key player, and Maja is unlikely to displace him, but the pair could certainly form an effective partnership if they get the chance.
With Tom Fellows no longer part of the squad, there is less quality in the wide areas for the Baggies, meaning they could potentially sacrifice a little on the flanks in order to get another striker on the pitch.
A switch to a diamond midfield (4-1-2-1-2) could provide a logical solution for Mason to get both strikers in the same side, while also keeping Isaac Price in his favoured role.
The Derby reverse should not be cause for panic for Mason at all, but this is certainly an option that would give his team a little more cutting edge.
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