Eric Ramsay axes four with job on line already – West Brom predicted XI vs Birmingham City
West Brom can’t afford to suffer another away loss when they face Birmingham City at St. Andrew’s on Tuesday.
West Brom drew 0-0 with Stoke City at The Hawthorns on Saturday, and there were some signs of progress in the team’s performance, but they haven’t won away from home since 1 October.
Eric Ramsay remains under pressure at West Brom after five games in charge without a win, and a loss to Chris Davies’ men would increase the toxicity among fans who have had enough of their team’s performances this season.
West Brom are embroiled in a relegation battle, and they certainly face a tough test against a Birmingham City side that is unbeaten in six Championship matches.
Ramsay has some tough calls to make for his starting lineup, and Alfie Gilchrist could be one of four players to drop out of the team.
Danny Imray to come in for Alfie Gilchrist as Eric Ramsay makes four changes
Danny Imray started his first game in West Brom’s 3-0 loss to Portsmouth on 31 January, but was swiftly dropped for Alfie Gilchrist against Stoke.
However, Gilchrist failed to take his chance in the team, and with there being such a quick turnaround from Saturday’s match, Ramsay could switch it up once again.
Although he may not be a stronger right-back from a defensive standpoint, Imray can provide more of an attacking threat for the Baggies.
| Stat | Gilchrist |
| Appearances | 9 |
| Starts | 5 |
| Ground duels won | 66.7% |
| Aerial duels won | 72.7% |
Ramsay started off playing a 5-2-3 system, but he used four defenders against Stoke, and it’s likely that he will keep it the same against Birmingham.
Daryl Dike was well below par last time out, and Aune Heggebo has to be given a chance to start up front.
Mikey Johnston may have regained full fitness, and given Jed Wallace’s impressive run of performances, Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba could miss out.
The last change is perhaps the most impactful, as the Baggies have a lack of natural centre-backs who are fit.
Alongside Krystian Bielik, Chris Mepham is out injured, which means Charlie Taylor looks set to fill in for him at left centre-back.
While that is a team that can certainly compete with Birmingham, the Baggies may need Johnston to produce a moment of magic to get them over the line.
- Read more: West Brom fans blast Mikey Johnston for what he did vs Stoke: ‘Terrible’, ‘I’m lost for words’
Mikey Johnston’s return to the team can make up for what happened vs Stoke
Despite carrying an injury, Ramsay subbed Johnston onto the pitch as the Baggies searched for a winning goal against Stoke.
The Republic of Ireland international clearly didn’t look up for it, and it was arguably irresponsible for his head coach to involve him against Stoke City.
Fans were rightly quick to point this out, although he should be in much better shape against Birmingham City.
Johnston has nine assists in the Championship, which is the most of any player in the league.
For a team that has struggled so badly, the 26-year-old has consistently performed at a higher level than his teammates.
If the Baggies are to claim all three points on Tuesday, then it wouldn’t be a surprise if Johnston had the final say on the outcome of the match.