West Brom manager Carlos Corberan

Pipa tipped to start in West Brom v Rotherham clash, local journo shares what he likes about him

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Published on:

12 Dec 2023, 8:10 am

Lewis Cox has tipped Pipa to earn a rare start for West Brom when they travel to bottom-of-the-table Rotherham United in the Championship on Tuesday (12 December).

The Express and Star journalist published his predicted XI for the newspaper online, and backed Corberan to move to a back three against the Millers, who have appointed a new manager in the form of Leam Richardson.

Spaniard Pipa, 25, only has one start since joining on loan from Ludogorets, but did provide the assist for Brandon Thomas-Asante in the 2-1 loss at Sunderland on Saturday (9 December).

Cox thinks Pipa now deserves a start, with manager Carlos Corberan rating his "versatility".

"A rare start – it would be just his second in Albion colours after Coventry in late October," he wrote.

"He provided a fine cross for Brandon Thomas-Asante's headed goal late on in Sunderland and Corberan said his versatility could be useful."

Why not?

There is no doubt the Baggies are reeling a little after suffering back-to-back defeats in the Championship, albeit a barnstorming clash at Sunderland was full of flash points and the Leicester City game before that they endured a heartbreaking last-gasp defeat.

Do not expect Corberan and his side to be looking for any pity, though. There is a glorious chance to bounce back against a Rotherham side who have struggled badly in the Championship this season, but they will be out to impress their new gaffer.

As for Pipa, well there has not been a great deal of action for the Spaniard since he moved to The Hawthorns on loan, but on the back of consecutive defeats it seems a good chance to hand him an opportunity.

He put in a great ball for Thomas-Asante at the weekend, and frankly it could be a good time to mix it up and try something new in a bid to get back to winning ways. Basically, why not?

In other West Brom news, David Prutton has predicted the outcome of the game for Sky Sports.

West Bromwich Albion

Carlos Corberan

Pipa