Ousmane Diakite axed in three Eric Ramsay changes – West Brom predicted XI vs Portsmouth
West Brom can’t afford to fall to defeat when they face Portsmouth at Fratton Park on Saturday.
West Brom suffered an embarrassing 5-0 loss to Norwich City at The Hawthorns on 20 January, which was followed by a more respectable 1-1 draw with Derby at Pride Park three days later.
Fans are becoming increasingly disconnected with the team as they now sit just three points above the relegation zone.
Eric Ramsay is aiming to sign more players to aid West Brom in their battle for survival, although goalkeeper Max O’Leary is the only new addition so far.
The Baggies are 20th in the Championship, and Ousmane Diakite could be among those to be dropped from the team as Ramsay looks to make three changes to the starting lineup for the game against Portsmouth.
Alex Mowatt in line for West Brom recall vs Portsmouth
Twenty-first-placed Portsmouth currently sit two points behind the Baggies in the table, and the outcome of the match could turn out to be crucial in the relegation battle.
West Brom’s 1-0 win over Norwich on in October was the last time they won away from home, and Ramsay may look to bring Alex Mowatt back into the team to help end that dreadful run.
Having been recently injured, the 30-year-old midfielder could come back into the side for Diakite.
It would be harsh for the Mali international, who has played very well at times this season, but the Baggies may need more creativity against John Mousinho’s side.
| Stat | Mowatt |
| Appearances | 74 |
| Goals | 90 |
| Assists | 4 |
| Pass accuracy | 71 |
As for the other changes, Karlan Grant was taken off with an injury in the eighth minute of the draw to Derby, and Samuel Iling-Junior would be a suitable replacement on the left wing.
Meanwhile, Krystian Bielik also had to be substituted, and the Polish defender could be carrying a knock going into Saturday.
Chris Mepham, who scored the equaliser at Pride Park, would return to the team, and he still has a lot to prove to Ramsay.
Aune Heggebo is expected to lead the line again, and he needs to put his goal drought to an end against Pompey.
Despite the mistake on his debut, O’Leary will have the chance to redeem himself in goal, while Nat Phillips and George Campbell should keep their place in defence.
Eric Ramsay has to end his Isaac Price experiment
Having played as a number 10 under Ryan Mason, Isaac Price wouldn’t have thought he’d be deployed as a right wing-back by Ramsay.
However, that is the case, and the Northern Ireland international has understandably struggled in an unfamiliar role.
Although West Brom are interested in signing Danny Imray on loan, the Crystal Palace right-back is unlikely to be at the club in time for Saturday’s match.
It seems shocking that Alfie Gilchrist isn’t being picked despite being a natural right-back.
This means that Price will probably start there again, much to the frustration of West Brom fans.
They can only pray that Ramsay gets a natural right wing-back through the door before the transfer deadline on 2 February.
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