Harry Whitwell and West Brom boss James Morrison

Harry Whitwell and James MorrisonImago

West Brom predicted XI vs Newcastle: James Morrison to bench Harry Whitwell in four changes

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Published on:

25 Aug 2026, 6:00 am

West Bromwich Albion have made a flying start to the new Championship season.

After defeating Norwich City 2-1 at Carrow Road on the opening day, the Baggies backed that up in impressive fashion against recently relegated Burnley on Sunday.

Youngster Harry Whitwell was on target, while Isaac Price scod twice as Albion recovered from Callum Styles' early own goal to run out 3-1 winners at The Hawthorns.

Now the attention turns back to the Carabao Cup, where West Brom started the competition with a 4-1 rout of Rotherham United.

This time, it is a trip to face Premier League outfit Newcastle United at St James Park on Wednesday, with the Magpies starting their Premier League campaign with a 2-2 draw against Liverpool over the weekend.

James Morrison might be reluctant to make wholesale changes, but West Brom News is still tipping the gaffer to switch out for players with the focus on their league campaign.

Familiar West Brom feel in defence with one change

Morrison will be keen to keep a familiar feel to his back four and goalkeeper.

By that reckoning, Max O'Leary could retain the gloves despite Matt Ingram chomping at the bit for a game.

Nolan Galves is still adapting to English football, so Morrison may keep him in the starting XI at right-back against tough opposition, with Styles retaining his left-back berth.

At centre-back, George Campbell will relish the challenge of playing against Newcastle's star-studded attack, but there might be a start for Chris Mepham in place of Nat Phillips to give him some game time.

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Morrison to take tough Whitwell call in West Brom clash at Newcastle

Whitwell performed really well in pre-season and has hit the ground running so far this term.

But Morrison might just want to avoid overloading him, and could look to utilise Felix Horn Myhre out on the right, dropping him back from the attacking midfielder role he had against Burnley.