West Brom star must be axed vs Leicester City to address losing run
West Brom take on Leicester City on Friday night as they look to address their recent losing run.
The Baggies began the new Championship campaign with an impressive four-game unbeaten spell, but they have faltered in recent weeks, and issues have been exposed.
West Brom fell to defeat at Middlesbrough last time out, as Aune Heggebo’s first league goal in English football served as little more than a consolation in the final stages of the game.
Ryan Mason’s men are undergoing something of a mini-slump, having lost back-to-back games, and he will be desperately searching for solutions ahead of the upcoming clash.
Jed Wallace must not start for West Brom vs Leicester City
Jed Wallace has struggled for form at West Brom in the last few weeks, and he has arguably been playing more than was perhaps anticipated over the summer.
The Baggies’ plans were thrown off somewhat by the last-minute sale of Tom Fellows to Southampton, a matter of days before transfer deadline day, and that has forced Mason into finding other candidates to fill the right-wing role.
He has turned to the club captain more often than not so far this term, with the experienced wideman having started in each of Albion’s last three outings in the league.
However, while Wallace is a reliable and seasoned campaigner, he showcased why he cannot continue to be the first-choice option in the game against Middlesbrough.
| Stats | Wallace Total |
| xA | 0.27 |
| Dribble Attempts | 0 |
| Key Passes | 2 |
| Accurate Passes | 23/24 (96%) |
| Possession Lost | 6 |
Mason set his team up to counter-attack against the early-season league leaders, but with Wallace on the right flank, his team lacked the energy and dynamism to quickly turn defence into attack on that side of the pitch.
The 31-year-old largely used the ball well and was effective when he got into good positions, but the Baggies could have carried so much more threat had they opted to start with a player who could provide more pace in that position.
Mason will likely be looking to employ similar tactics against Leicester on Friday night, and with that in mind, it almost goes without saying that Wallace cannot start.
Mikey Johnston and Samuel Iling-Junior need to start out wide
Mikey Johnston proved his worth to West Brom yet again as he came off the bench in the latter stages against Middlesbrough and produced a typically lively display.
The defeat on Teesside emphasised the Irishman’s importance once again, especially considering that Isaac Price struggled to impact the game from out wide.
Johnston has to return to his preferred role on the left flank for the visit of the Foxes, and Samuel Iling-Junior should come in for his debut on the opposite wing.
The Aston Villa loanee will provide the pace that Wallace lacks, and should bring a different dimension to Albion when they break forward.
Mason has been reluctant to use the youngster so far since he joined, but now could be the perfect opportunity to throw him in for his full debut.
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