Eric Ramsay axes new signing in four changes – West Brom predicted XI vs Norwich City
West Brom travel to Norwich City for the fourth round of the FA Cup on Saturday.
West Brom beat Swansea 6-5 on penalties in the third round, when James Morrison was the caretaker manager before Eric Ramsay’s appointment.
Ramsay remains under pressure after six games in charge without a win, but progressing to the next round of the FA Cup would certainly alleviate some of the scrutiny.
Norwich City beat West Brom 5-0 at The Hawthorns on 20 January, and Philippe Clement’s side are on a brilliant run of form.
Therefore, a trip to Carrow Road won’t be easy for Ramsay, and the head coach may make four changes to the team that drew 0-0 with Birmingham City on Tuesday.
Alfie Gilchrist to replace Danny Imray in four changes
Danny Imray signed for West Brom on loan from Crystal Palace after excelling at Blackpool in the first half of the season.
The right-back started his first game in the Baggies’ 3-0 loss to Portsmouth on 31 January, but was swiftly dropped for Alfie Gilchrist against Stoke.
Having been reinstated into the team for the Birmingham match at St Andrew’s, Imray was subbed off at half-time by Ramsay.
Gilchrist will likely take his place in the team against Norwich, and it’s not clear if Ramsay fully trusts him yet.
Via Sofascore, Imray has only made 25 successful passes as a Baggies player, despite featuring in three different matches.
| Stat | Imray |
| Appearances | 3 |
| Minutes played | 106 |
| Ground duels won | 35% |
| Aerial duels won | 40% |
| Successful crosses | 20% |
Ramsay may look to rotate his goalkeepers, meaning Josh Griffiths would come in for Max O’Leary.
Despite carrying an injury, Mikey Johnston was subbed on by Ramsay against Stoke as the Baggies searched for a winning goal.
Having also come off the bench against Birmingham City, he might be finally fit enough to start in place of Jed Wallace on the right wing.
The final change could see Ousmane Diakite come in for Alex Mowatt if Ramsay wants to freshen up his midfield.
With the Baggies lacking options at the back, Charlie Taylor will definitely start alongside Nat Phillips in central defence.
Charlie Taylor needs to show consistency for West Brom
After performing terribly in the loss to Norwich, West Brom fans were dreading the thought of Taylor playing consistently at centre-back.
However, with Chris Mepham and Krystian Bielik both injured, Ramsay has had no other choice but to start him there.
The 32-year-old has played as a left-back for the majority of his career, but stepped up in the stalemate versus Birmingham.
He cleared Ibrahim Osman’s shot off the line before committing a brilliant tactical foul on Demarai Gray to prevent him from breaking clear in the last minute.
Taylor can’t afford to let this promising display be a one-time occurrence, and he has the perfect opportunity to prove himself again by nullifying Norwich’s dangerous attack on Saturday.