Josh Maja to return as Ryan Mason hands out debut – West Brom predicted XI vs Leicester City
Ryan Mason could be about to make several changes to his West Brom team for Friday night’s clash with Leicester City.
The Baggies have seen their bright start to the new Championship season falter somewhat in recent weeks, and they will be desperate to get back on track.
Aune Heggebo scored his first Championship goal for West Brom in the defeat to Middlesbrough last time out, but that was a game that arguably exposed more problems than it solved for the Black Country outfit.
With that in mind, West Brom News predicts the starting XI for the visit of the Foxes, as Ryan Mason could be set to make several changes.
Josh Maja starts as Alfie Gilchrist makes debut
Josh Maja hasn’t started for West Brom in competitive action since the 1-1 draw with Swansea City back on 4 January, but that streak could finally be broken this time around.
There has been a clamour from supporters to see last season’s top scorer break into the starting XI, and Heggebo has struggled in the last few games, despite his goal last time out.
Friday’s game could be the perfect opportunity for Mason to take the Norwegian out of the firing line for a week, while also providing a key player from last season in Maja, to stake his claim for a regular starting spot.
Elsewhere in the side, Mason will surely address the right side after the issues experienced in on Teesside.
Neither George Campbell or Jed Wallace turned in poor displays by any means, but it is fair to say that much more attacking fluidity is needed on that side of the pitch.
With that in mind, Alfie Gilchrist could be set to come in for his debut after joining from Chelsea in the summer, while Aston Villa loanee Samuel Iling-Junior could also get his chance to impress.
West Brom have to put Leicester City record straight
Both West Brom and Leicester have seen their results drop off in recent weeks, with the visitors heading into Friday’s clash on the back of two draws.
The newly relegated side perhaps haven’t had the electric start that many people were expecting after they dropped from the Premier League, and Albion have a good opportunity to spring another surprise on them here.
| Date | Result |
| 20 April 2024 (Away) | 2-1 L |
| 2 December 2023 (Home) | 2-1 L |
| 22 April 2021 (Away) | 3-0 L |
| 13 September 2020 (Home) | 3-0 L |
| 10 March 2018 (Home) | 4-1 L |
However, if they are to claim three points at The Hawthorns, then they must overcome a dismal recent record against the East Midlands outfit.
The Baggies have beaten Leicester in just one of their last 11 competitive meetings, and that came way back in November 2016.
Recent results haven’t been kind to West Brom, but they should still take confidence from the fact that they are a very dangerous team at second tier level.
It will be no eays task for them on Friday, but a win over Leicester would certainly restore the positive feeling in B71.
Enjoyed this article? Stay connected with all the latest Tottenham Hotspur news, updates, and behind-the-scenes content by following us on our new Instagram account – @tottenhamnews247