Eric Ramsay axes Josh Maja in four changes for first match in charge – West Brom predicted XI vs Middlesbrough
West Brom fans are excited to see the Eric Ramsay era get underway against Middlesbrough on Friday.
Ramsay was announced as West Brom’s new head coach on Sunday and has signed a deal that will keep him in B71 until June 2028.
The Baggies are currently 18th in the Championship table, with a run of 10 successive away defeats drastically hampering their form under Ryan Mason.
West Brom welcome second-placed Middlesbrough to The Hawthorns, and Kim Hellberg’s side have won just once in their last six matches in all competitions.
Ramsay has some tough calls to make in his starting lineup, and he could make four changes to the team that James Morrison put out on Sunday when West Brom beat Swansea on penalties in the FA Cup third round.
Aune Heggebo to replace Josh Maja in Eric Ramsay’s first match
Recalling Aune Heggebo into the team isn’t a difficult decision.
Heggebo has impressed for West Brom after initially getting off to a slow start following his £4.75million move from Norwegian side Brann.
The 24-year-old summer signing will likely replace Josh Maja up front, and he’ll look to add to his total of 11 goal contributions in the Championship.
The Nigerian scored against Swansea; however, with just two goals to his name all campaign, it looks to be an easy decision for Ramsay to make.
| Stat | Aune Heggebo |
| Appearances | 90 |
| Goals | 8 |
| Expected goals (xG) | 0.46 |
| Touches in opposition box | 8 |
The Norwegian forward isn’t the only man to come into the team, with Karlan Grant likely to play on the left wing in place of Daryl Dike, and Ramsay is expected to use a 4-2-3-1 formation.
Alex Mowatt and Jayson Molumby missed the Swansea game on Sunday, and it is unclear whether they are fit enough to feature from the off at The Hawthorns.
Ousmane Diakite has been granted a period of compassionate leave following the untimely passing of his brother, which means that Krystian Bielik could come into midfield and Nat Phillips would resume his role at centre-back.
The other potential change could see USA international George Campbell come in for Alfie Gilchrist.
Ramsay is dealing with several key absentees for his first match, and the makeshift midfield will have to do a remarkable job to replace Mowatt and Molumby.
Callum Styles’ versatility will be a huge asset for Eric Ramsay
Callum Styles started in midfield during the FA Cup win, and it seems more than likely that he’ll play there again against Hellberg’s side.
Styles joined West Brom from Barnsley in 2024 and has become a mainstay in the first team ever since.
Often playing at left-back under Mason, he has been known to deputise in the centre of the park when he is needed.
For Hungary, he plays more regularly in the heart of midfield, and it’s clear he has the ability to chip in with some goal contributions from the full-back areas.
The 25-year-old has a lot of promising attacking qualities, and alongside Bielik, he could be allowed to express his passing range going forward.
A player like Styles can be a manager’s dream, and he could be someone who emerges as one of the first names on Ramsay’s teamsheet in the months to come.