West Brom predicted XI vs Leicester: first start for ‘energetic’ midfielder as ‘underwhelming’ forward axed

West Bromwich Albion return to home soil this Friday night for a tough Championship clash with fellow promotion hopefuls Leicester City.

The Baggies will be seeking a response following a frustrating 2-1 defeat away at league leaders Middlesbrough last time out. Albion had more possession and more shots than Boro but were unable to convert into any points whatsoever, making it two defeats on the bounce for the first time under Ryan Mason.

West Brom will be determined to right their wrongs under the lights at The Hawthorns but it won’t be easy as Leicester, currently fourth in the standings, have lost just once so far this season. There’s some hope, though, as the Foxes, recently relegated from the Premier League, have drawn their last two.

Mason has several selection dilemmas to consider this weekend, as not many spots in the team are locked down. Does Aune Heggebo deserve to keep his place? Is it time for the likes of Alfie Gilchrist, Charlie Taylor and Toby Collyer to start? With all of those decisions in mind, here’s the XI we reckon Mason will name against Leicester.

West Brom predicted lineup vs Leicester

GK - Josh Griffiths: The young goalkeeper has done well when called upon and appears to be firmly ahead of Joe Wildsmith in the goalkeeping pecking order, at least in the Championship.

RB - Alfie Gilchrist: Yet to feature for Albion since joining from Chelsea, Gilchrist could finally get an opportunity to impress. George Campbell has been playing out of position at right-back recently and West Brom could do with someone better suited to the role.

CB - Chris Mepham: The Welshman has slotted straight into the starting XI since joining from AFC Bournemouth. Costing just £1 million plus add-ons, Mepham could turn out to be one of the steals of the summer.

CB - Nat Phillips: West Brom’s £3 million summer signing has been such a good addition so far. The former Liverpool man would probably head a brick for this team. His bravery is immense.

LB - Callum Styles: There’s now more competition for the left-back spot following the arrival of Charlie Taylor on loan from Southampton, but Styles kept his place last weekend and is likely to do so again.

CM - Toby Collyer: A first start could be in order for Collyer after some impressive cameos off the bench. The Manchester United loanee added plenty of impetus to Albion’s attacks away at Boro and deserves to play from the off, perhaps at the expense of Alex Mowatt.

CM - Jayson Molumby: Hard working and gritty, Molumby is the kind of midfielder Mason appreciates and he will start most games. Although there could be an argument for Mowatt to start instead, Molumby’s grit in midfield might be missed.

CAM - Isaac Price: Signed in January, Price has already proven himself as a gamechanger. The Northern Ireland international was a bargain at £2.5 million and he’s now one of the first names on the team sheet.

RW - Samuel Iling Junior: Given how poor Jed Wallace was against Derby and Boro, Iling Junior could come in for his full debut. The Aston Villa loanee is much quicker and can offer better directness on the right.

LW - Mikey Johnston: Probably Albion’s star man in last week’s defeat, Johnston definitely deserves to start after his benching. The Republic of Ireland international provides plenty of useful energy down the flank.

ST - Josh Maja: Now ready to play from the off, as confirmed by Mason, Maja could take over from the rather underwhelming Heggebo to spearhead the attack. Heggebo scored at Boro but he’s been rather lightweight so far. Either the Norwegian needs support, or Maja can provide the physicality.