West Bromwich Albion head away to Sunderland on Monday evening as they get their first taste of Sky Bet Championship action for just over four weeks. The long pause during the FIFA World Cup in Qatar has allowed Carlos Corberan to get to know his new squad better - and given him the chance to properly instill his playing style.
The Baggies got off to a fantastic start under the new head coach before the World Cup got underway, with three successive wins-to-nil lifting them off the foot of the table and up into 22nd. From an intense worry about the threat of relegation to an optimistic hope of reaching the top half, the outlook has completely transformed in a very short space of time.
This week’s opponents, the Black Cats, have had a similar run of good form recently, with three wins and a draw in their last five Championship outings. Tony Mowbray’s side have been one of this campaign’s surprise packages, as they are currently up in 11th place and just four points away from the playoff spots.
It will no doubt be a tough clash for Corberan’s men, but the Spaniard has been a great influence so far and there is nothing to say Albion cannot give it a good go. With that in mind, here is the starting XI we predict Corberan will go with to give his team the best chance of a positive result.
1. GK: Alex Palmer
Having established himself as West Brom’s number one goalkeeper after taking over the role from David Button, we expect Palmer to retain his spot.
2. LB: Conor Townsend
Another player who has shown a real improvement under the new manager, Townsend has put in some consistent shifts of late.
3. CB: Dara O’Shea
One of the few shining lights this season so far, O’Shea has been a regular in the centre of defence for Albion.
4. CB: Kyle Bartley
Hit back at criticism with some brilliant performances before the World Cup break, as he started all three wins, kept three clean sheets and scored two goals. Has to stay in the team, even with Semi Ajayi back.