Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba’s debut as Eric Ramsay axes new man – West Brom predicted XI vs Stoke City
West Brom are in desperate need of a result when they play Stoke City in the Championship on Saturday.
Eric Ramsay’s side will host Stoke at The Hawthorns in a game which the Baggies boss simply has to come with three points in.
Albion have picked up one point from Ramsay‘s first four games in charge, and have conceded 12 goals in that same period.
West Brom are being dragged into a relegation scrap with the Baggies now sitting 22nd in the division on 32 points with just 16 games to go.
Stoke are winless in four and will be confident that they can take advantage of the Black Country club’s negative feeling, as Ramsay must make changes.
What changes will Eric Ramsay make for West Brom vs Stoke City?
Karlan Grant has undergone surgery and will be out for the foreseeable future, which gives Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba the perfect chance to make his first-ever senior appearance for the club after resigning on loan from Aston Villa.
Isaac Price’s full-time tantrum after West Brom’s 3-0 defeat to Portsmouth last time out in the league prompts Ramsay to make an easy decision in dropping the midfielder.
Danny Imray had a poor debut at Fratton Park, and after Alfie Gilchrist replaced him at halftime, he may start this time around.
Ousmane Diakite should have left the game against Pompey with his head held high, whereas his midfield partner on the night, Jayson Molumby, faces the axe, with Alex Mowatt poised to take his position.
Samuel Iling-Junior’s departure makes space for Callum Styles to come back into the eleven, as Ramsay’s three centre-backs may remain unchanged.
Aune Heggebo is likely to keep his spot, but could soon lose a place up top if he doesn’t start finding the back of the net soon. Hindolo Mustapaha is set to feature for the Baggies for the first time, and could make an appearance from the bench against Stoke.
- Read more: Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba reveals admiration for West Brom promotion-winner in fascinating confession
The key area that Ramsay needs to address vs Stoke
It’s not just Albion who are facing their share of struggles heading into this match, as Stoke are, too.
The Potters have scored just two goals in their last four games and have seriously struggled to create chances against their opposition.
| Game | Result | Expected goals (xG) |
| Stoke vs QPR | 0-0 Draw | 0.79 |
| Stoke vs Middlesbrough | 2-1 Loss | 0.94 |
| Birmingham City vs Stoke | 1-1 Draw | 0.36 |
| Stoke vs Southampton | 2-0 Loss | 0.87 |
Mark Robins is struggling to find an attacking formula to penetrate defences for Stoke right now, and it comes at a time when Albion can do nothing but let goals in.
Ramsay needs to lead his game plan with a defence-first approach, as the individual quality on the pitch should be enough at the other end.
West Brom need a result, and a loss could turn things sour very quickly.
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