West Bromwich Albion face another tough clash in the Sky Bet Championship on Saturday afternoon as they take on promotion chasers Middlesbrough at The Hawthorns. Fresh off the back of a frustrating 3-2 defeat at Watford and with just one win in their last five, the Baggies are battered and bruised.
The wheels have come off Carlos Corberan’s dream start somewhat with Albion falling away from the top six once again. As is the nature of the Championship, though, this was to be expected at some stage and West Brom will no doubt get back to their best soon.
Whether this comes against Boro is another question, however, as Michael Carrick’s team are in outstanding form heading into this one. With five successive league wins, Middlesbrough are statistically the best team in the entire English second tier as it stands and they look it, too.
With 14 goals scored, just three conceded and 15 points earned out of the last 15 available, Boro could well be one of the most challenging opponents Albion will face for the remainder of the season – if not the most. With that in mind, here is the strong starting XI we think Corberan will select on Saturday.
1. West Brom predicted starting XI vs Middlesbrough
Here are the 11 players we think Corberan will start against Middlesbrough. | Getty Images
2. GK: Josh Griffiths
Was unfortunate to concede three with some deflections in the 3-2 defeat at Watford. Keeps David Button out of the team for now. | Getty Images
3. RB: Darnell Furlong
Has made the right-back spot his own since Corberan took over. Nobody is acting as a threat to Furlong at the moment. | Getty Images
4. CB: Dara O’Shea
One of three outfit players in the entire Championship to be everpresent this campaign. He will undoubtedly continue. | Getty Images