West Brom predicted XI vs Sheffield Wednesday - James Morrison axes Aune Heggebo
West Bromwich Albion head into the final weekend of the Championship season determined to finish on a positive note as they take on Sheffield Wednesday.
Despite a recent two-point deduction, the Baggies secured their second-tier status on Saturday thanks to a goalless draw with Ipswich.
It was another important step in a remarkable turnaround under James Morrison, who took charge at the end of February and has since guided Albion on a 10-match unbeaten run.
Now, with that record still intact, Albion travel to face a Sheffield Wednesday side whose fate was sealed as far back as February.
The Owls, still stranded on minus three points, have one last opportunity to claim only their second win of the season as they welcome an in-form West Brom side to Hillsborough.
Striker duo set for one final start with contracts running out
Since the switch to a 4-4-2 formation, the Baggies have been transformed.
As attention turns to the summer, uncertainty remains over the futures of Daryl Dike and Josh Maja, with both contracts set to expire. That means Saturday’s clash could yet prove to be their final appearance in a West Brom shirt.
| Player | Apps (starts) | Goals | Assists | Expected goals | Expected assists |
| Josh Maja | 39 (14) | 4 | 1 | 5.18 | 1.19 |
| Daryl Dike | 23 (6) | 2 | 1 | 3.22 | 0.38 |
Throughout the season, the pair have struggled to truly find their rhythm in front of goal.
However, both have looked far more dangerous since the switch in formation, with one of the two operating alongside top scorer Aune Heggebo for much of recent months.
With the future of both Maja and Dike still undecided, Morrison may choose to start the pair together at Hillsborough - potentially offering one final parting gift before what could be summer moves away.
By making just one change, with Maja coming in for Heggebo, Morrison is likely to stick with the formula that has served his side so well over the past 10 matches - and preserve that excellent record.
As for absentees, Saturday’s clash may still come too soon for Jed Wallace as he continues his recovery from a calf injury, while Mikey Johnston is not expected back until next season.
Party atmosphere in order as West Brom travel to Sheffield Wednesday
Following Eric Ramsay’s dismissal at the end of February, few among the Hawthorns faithful could have envisaged the position Albion now find themselves in.
Even with the points deduction, the Baggies secured safety with a week to spare, and the question now dominating debate is whether Morrison should be handed the role on a permanent basis.
With one final trip on the road to bring the season to a close, the travelling contingent can look forward to a raucous atmosphere in the away end at Hillsborough.
And if the sun does indeed shine over South Yorkshire, it will provide a fitting backdrop to what has been a magnificent conclusion to the campaign - one that might so easily have unfolded very differently for Albion.