Aune Heggebo axed as James Morrison changes winning formula – West Brom predicted XI vs Bristol City
James Morrison could drop Aune Heggebo from the starting lineup for West Brom’s Championship clash against Bristol City at Ashton Gate on Saturday.
West Brom won their first league match in 2026 last weekend, beating Hull City 3-0 in a comprehensive win at The Hawthorns.
The Baggies produced their best performance of the season against the Tigers, and it’s clear to see that Morrison is having a positive effect on the players.
West Brom are now 21st in the table, but with just eight games left, relegation to League One certainly isn’t out of the question.
Morrison won’t make many changes to his team for the match against Bristol City, but Heggebo could find himself on the bench.
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Daryl Dike to replace Aune Heggebo vs Bristol City
Heggebo joined West Brom for £4.75million from Norwegian side Brann, and it’s safe to say that it has taken him a while to find his feet.
According to Sofascore, Heggebo has an xG underperformance of 9.38, and he is certainly not performing to the standards that were expected of him at the start of the season.
Despite being a real threat under Ryan Mason, the 24-year-old has been incredibly quiet in 2026.
| Stat | Heggebo |
| Appearances | 38 |
| Goals | 9 |
| Assists | 3 |
| Shots | 60 |
He did score a smart goal against Hull, flicking home Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba’s cross, but Morrison may look to rotate up front.
Daryl Dike has been given some minutes in the side, and with Bristol City using three physical centre-backs in their system, the USA international may experience more joy.
Of course, it would be harsh for Heggebo to drop out of the side, but Morrison might view it as a tactical decision that could boost the Baggies’ chances of winning at Ashton Gate.
The rest of the team should remain unchanged, and in Jed Wallace’s case, that is most definitely deserved.
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Why Jed Wallace is crucial to West Brom’s survival hopes
The 31-year-old has been impressive for West Brom after arriving from Millwall in June 2022.
But he has responded brilliantly to the criticism, and despite being West Brom’s oldest player, he showed great athleticism and guile to torment Hull throughout the match on Saturday.
Off the pitch, he is one of the leaders in the dressing room, and it’s safe to say that Ollie Bostock and Harry Whitwell have already learned a lot from him.
Since Wallace’s introduction back into the side, the Baggies have been much better in the final third, and his assist against Hull shows why he is so important to the team.
With his contract expiring at the end of the campaign, his recent form should highlight why he is a valuable asset who is worth keeping around beyond the summer.
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