James Morrison shouting instructions to his players

James MorrisonImago

The welcome headache James Morrison now has after West Brom win vs Watford

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Published on:

06 Sep 2026, 11:00 am

West Bromwich Albion are riding high in the Championship after a hard-fought win over Watford on Saturday.

The Baggies battled for a 1-0 triumph over the Hornets at The Hawthorns, with Jimmy Jay-Morgan continuing a flying start to the campaign.

Albion are now fifth in the table through five Championship games, and sit just one point adrift of table-toppers Swansea City.

There was much for Baggies boss James Morrison to enjoy about his side's gritty victory on home turf.

But, his thoughts will already be turning to Wednesday and West Brom's trip to Derby County as they look to continue their upward trajectory.

And there is one headache that Morrison will have for that game, but it will be a welcome one for the Baggies gaffer.

James Morrison faces West Brom conundrum

Morrison opted to mix things up against Watford, with four changes made to the side that drew with Charlton Athletic in midweek.

Amid those alterations was the decision to bring in Chris Mepham at centre-back to replace Nat Phillips.

It was Mepham's first Championship start since February, and the Wales international put in a very accomplished performance.

The 28-year-old was composed on the ball, played well through the lines, and was strong in the duels against the Hornets.

He finished with one interception, three clearances, three blocked shots, and two recoveries for Albion.

Mepham finished with a 90 per cent pass accuracy, increasing to 93 per cent for passes made inside his own half.

So, what does Morrison do for the Derby clash?

James Morrison has message for West Brom fans after nervy Watford win

Morrison has big West Brom call to make

They say you should never change a winning team.

But, history has proven that notion to be consistently wrong hasn't it?

In this case, though, Mepham has probably done enough to be given the starting berth alongside George Campbell again next time out.

It is a tough one as Phillips and Campbell have made a decent start to the season as a pairing.

These are the kind of headaches that Morrison absolutely wants in his squad, though, and having players fighting for starts can only help breed an environment of success.

Swansea City Assocation Football Club