Carlos Corberan axes ‘uninspiring’ signing as bold attacking switch made - West Brom predicted XI vs Preston

West Brom, unbeaten in their last nine matches but with five 0-0 draws in that period and just one win in their previous 11, are in a strange spot.

The Baggies have proven themselves to be very difficult to see off in matches - and the 11 goals conceded can be bettered by just two Championship clubs - but Carlos Corberan’s men have lacked creativity. Now outside the play-off positions on goal difference, Albion need to get back to winning ways sooner rather than later.

Josh Maja has impressed with 10 goals in the 17 league outings so far but not enough of his teammates have contributed, with Albion finding the net on just eight other occasions. Granted, it’s been a tricky fixture run recently, but the Baggies’ squad should be strong enough to beat pretty much anybody in the division.

Corberan will be tempted to switch things up to change West Brom’s fortunes, perhaps dropping the out-of-form Mikey Johnston, though the Spaniard does of course prefer sticking to his guns. With that in mind, here are the 11 players we reckon will be named against Preston at Deepdale this Saturday.

West Brom predicted XI vs Preston

GK - Alex Palmer: The goalkeeper has started the new season strongly, picking up where he left off last term. Palmer has nine clean sheets in 17 league matches in 2024/25.

RB - Darnell Furlong: Back from his suspension, Furlong is one of the first names on the team sheet. Sunderland away was his first game missed under Corberan.

CB - Kyle Bartley: The experienced defender returned to the XI last time out and did a brilliant job. Corberan will be hoping he can play the full 90 minutes.

CB - Torbjorn Heggem: Comfortable at left-back or centre-back, Heggem has settled into this Albion side superbly. Corberan will be so glad to have the Norwegian.

LB - Callum Styles: The Hungary international, a decent performer in the last few outings, appears to be Corberan’s preferred option ahead of Gianluca Frabotta.

CM - Jayson Molumby: A regular starter again after being benched by Uros Racic on several occasions, Molumby must maintain strong form to keep his place.

CM - Alex Mowatt: Corberan’s preferred choice in the number eight role, Mowatt hasn’t set the world alight recently but he’s still one of Albion’s best options.

RW - Tom Fellows: The England Under-21 international is without doubt one of the Baggies’ most dangerous players. He simply has to start whenever fit.

LW - Grady Diangana: If available, Diangana could start as the uninspiring Johnston is struggling. Jed Wallace, John Swift and Lewis Dobbin have also been poor.

CAM - Karlan Grant: Often one of West Brom’s best performers and hardest-working players, Grant has profited from moving a little centrally in recent outings.

ST - Josh Maja: West Brom’s top scorer with 10 this term, Maja has stepped up for the team. He just needs his attacking counterparts to start chipping in with more goals.