Ryan Mason to make bold defensive change – West Brom predicted XI vs Birmingham
West Brom are set to host Birmingham City on Wednesday, in a massive game at The Hawthorns.
The pressure is building on Ryan Mason at West Brom, with the Baggies now slipping down to 17th in the table.
Hopes of a promotion season at The Hawthorns have dwindled, and with their West Midlands rivals arriving in good form, another defeat could see further pressure heaped on the manager.
Therefore, changes are expected for the midweek game as the Baggies look to quickly put the 3-2 defeat to Coventry behind them.
Ousmane Diakite and Callum Styles to return for Birmingham clash
Going into the match, Mason is already forced into one change after Jayson Molumby continued his terrible disciplinary record at West Brom with another red card against Coventry.
However, this may force the manager to look back towards the team that beat Oxford United.
The Baggies weren’t terrible against the U’s and should have won by more. Therefore, Mason may look to field a similar team.
In goal, Josh Griffiths remains, with George Campbell at right-back, and Callum Styles coming in at left-back.
- Mason is set to be without Molumby after his red card against Coventry
- The manager is in need of a win after falling to 17th in the Championship
- In comparison, Birmingham are ninth, three points clear of the Baggies
As a result, Caleb Taylor is pushed into the centre alongside Nat Phillips, with Chris Mepham dropping out of the starting XI.
This would be a bold move by Mason, but against Oxford United, the Baggies were barely troubled with this backline.
Into midfield and Ousmane Diakite joins Alex Mowatt, with Isaac Price as the attacking midfielder.
On the wings, Mikey Johnston and Karlan Grant keep their places, while Aune Heggebo remains the sole striker after his recent goalscoring form.
West Brom’s recent record against Birmingham
West Brom have heavily struggled when they have played the Blues in recent years.
In four of their five meetings, the Baggies have been defeated, with their 1-0 victory in the last derby their only recent taste of success.
Nevertheless, West Brom are favourites to overcome Birmingham on Wednesday, despite the contrasting form between the two sides.
A victory would do wonders to relieve the pressure on Mason. However, a defeat could see the manager ever closer to the sack.
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