View: West Brom predicted XI vs Fulham
West Brom will look to continue their momentum as they host league leaders Fulham at The Hawthorns on Tuesday night in the Championship.
After six losses in seven games, the Baggies have picked up four points from their last two games including a come-from-behind draw against Huddersfield on Friday night.
With just seven points separating them from the playoff places, Steve Bruce’s side need wins between now and the end of the season and that means the manager must make brave team selections.
Despite two big errors in that game on Friday night, Sam Johnstone is almost certain to continue as the goalkeeper from the start.
Arguably the best in the league, West Brom are better with him in the team and his leadership skills will be key in a big game like this.
Recent games have seen improved defensive performances, so Bruce is likely to go with the same back five that he has decided is his best since taking over.
Darnell Furlong and Conor Townsend have been solid as the wing-backs, either side of the centre-back trio Semi Ajayi, Kyle Bartley and Matthew Clarke and all five should expect to get the nod.
Midfield has been the biggest puzzle for Bruce to solve since his tenure began but he seems to have solved it in recent weeks.
The return of captain Jake Livermore has coincided with two positive results after his red card in Bruce’s first game meant a four-game suspension.
Summer signing Alex Mowatt has been impressive too in a more advanced role which saw him register an assist against Hull, and he should stay in that position.
Youngster Taylor Gardner-Hickman has been excellent in his two starts for the new manager and he will continue in his box-to-box role that he has now made his own to lose.
Up front, Karlan Grant made it three goals in two appearances as a striker last time out and will undoubtedly continue but the big question mark surrounds who his partner will be.
Callum Robinson started the last two games and has played relatively well, but the impact that Andy Carroll had as a substitute against Huddersfield can’t be overlooked.
He got a goal and cleared one off the line while putting himself about, and his physical style will cause Fulham plenty of problems at the back. Daryl Dike has an outside chance of playing, but he’d almost certainly begin on the bench if he’s to be involved at all.
Predicted XI: Johnstone; Ajayi, Bartley, Clarke; Furlong, Gardner-Hickman, Livermore, Mowatt, Townsend; Grant, Carroll.
In other West Brom news, ‘Example’ – Nigel Quashie singles out West Brom ace after 2-2 draw v Huddersfield