West Bromwich Albion are in action one final time before the World Cup international break as they take on Stoke City at the Hawthorns on Saturday. Carlos Corberan’s side will be hopeful of claiming a third successive victory, lifting themselves out of the relegation zone in the process.
The Baggies have showcased a real improvement over the last couple of weeks, especially defensively. Two 1-0 wins on the bounce and Corberan seems to have helped West Brom turn things around very quickly - even if the points have been gained marginally.
Last time out it was Queens Park Rangers who bore the brunt of the Baggies’ revival as recent injury returnee Kyle Bartley scored a second-half winner. The 31-year-old, who once represented England at youth level, has been particularly impressive since coming back into the side - with two clean sheets as clear evidence of that.
Stoke City meanwhile have been a mixed bag of late, with two wins and three losses in their last five games. With a 2-0 victory over Luton Town on Tuesday and a 2-1 defeat to Birmingham City last weekend, Alex Neil’s side have struggled for consistency. The Potters do in fact have the seventh-best away record in the league, however.
With that in mind, this clash could well be more challenging than what Stoke’s placement in the Championship suggests - as they sit 15th, just five points ahead of Albion. Corberan will likely field his strongest team, especially with a lengthy break to follow. Here is how we think West Brom will line up - in a 4-2-3-1 formation.
1. GK - Alex Palmer
No need to replace a goalkeeper with two successive clean sheets - and did well to command his area against a good aerial side in QPR.
2. LB - Conor Townsend
A tough call with Erik Pieters also an option, but Townsend’s performance against Blackpool compared to Erik Pieters’ showing at QPR was marginally better, we think.
3. CB - Dara O’Shea
While Semi Ajayi remains sidelined through injury until after the World Cup, O’Shea retains his place - and deservedly so. He’s impressed under Corberan.
4. CB - Kyle Bartley
Picks himself, really. Man of the match display at Loftus Road and dominated against Blackpool. So great to see him back.