Ryan Mason baffles West Brom fans with decision made ahead of Preston match

Ryan Mason knows a response is needed from his West Brom side when they host Preston North End on Saturday.

West Brom were beaten 3-0 by Millwall in their most recent match to make it three defeats, two draws and four wins from nine Championship games this term.

Preston are the visitors to The Hawthorns on Saturday as Albion look to get their playoff push back on track.

Mason had a couple of important selection calls to make for the match, one of which plenty of West Brom fans simply cannot get on board with.

West Brom manager Ryan Mason smiles while on the touchline at a game.
Credit: Imago

West Brom name starting XI vs Preston

West Brom showed three changes to their starting lineup for the visit of Preston, with Daryl Dike included in the squad for the first time this season.

Dike has again struggled with injuries at West Brom this season, but those struggles are hopefully now behind him on this latest return to first-team action.

Alex Mowatt, Samuel Iling-Junior and Josh Maja all come back into the side in three changes from the Millwall loss.

Jed Wallace and Jayson Molumby, who played twice for Republic of Ireland over the international break, all drop out.

However, it is the selection of George Campbell over Alfie Gilchrist that has garnered the most attention on social media.

A number of fans reacted to West Brom’s team news post sharing similar sentiments, with one asking: “What does Gilchrist have to do to get a game?”

Others questioned just how Campbell continues to be selected at the back.

As another fan pointed out, though, Mason sees a lot more of these players than supporters.

Meanwhile, another responded: “Campbell still in, my god’.

Alfie Gilchrist not getting a look-in at West Brom

Chelsea academy product Gilchrist joined West Brom in the summer and plenty was expected of the youngster.

However, the 21-year-old has so far made just one appearance in all competitions, with that being a five-minute cameo off the substitutes’ bench against Norwich on 1 October.

West Brom's recent record vs Preston.
Credit: Imago

Gilchrist will wonder just when he will get his chance. Age is very much on his side, but he will want to be playing more regularly than he is right now.

Mason will just hope this decision does not come back to haunt him come full-time in this big match against Preston at The Hawthorns.

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