West Bromwich Albion return to The Hawthorns on Wednesday evening as they take on fellow playoff hopefuls Blackburn Rovers in the Sky Bet Championship. Carlos Corberan’s side will need to kick on and lick their wounds from a painful 2-0 defeat to local rivals Birmingham City last time out.
Two calamitous errors from goalkeeper David Button and an all-round disappointing display led to Birmingham completing a league double over the Baggies for the first time since 1999. Albion remain in good form with three wins in their previous five games, though, and they will be hopeful they can put last week’s performance behind them.
Blackburn, who were right near the top of the playoff places just a few games ago, have slumped down to eighth, above West Brom by a single point. Jon Dahl Tomasson’s men have won just one of their last five, drawing their last three. Rovers’ bizarre record of not sharing points seems to have caught up with them as these three draws are their first of the season.
Wednesday’s clash is nothing short of a six-pointer in the top six race, so Corberan will have to pick his starting 11 very carefully. With that in mind, here is the lineup we think the Spaniard will go with, in a 4-2-3-1 formation. See below.
5. LB: Conor Townsend
Had an off game last Friday but will be eager to get back to his form of recent weeks as he has been Corberan’s favoured left-back option. | Getty Images
6. CDM: Okay Yokuslu
Not his best game by any means at St Andrew’s but has been so impressive in other fixtures of late. Great at breaking up the play and an aerial threat. | Getty Images
7. CDM: Nathaniel Chalobah
Comes in for Jayson Molumby to switch things up at the base of midfield. His Premier League experience and physicality should boost Albion’s confidence. | Getty Images
8. CAM: Jed Wallace
Things didn’t quite work out last time out but Wallace had a great game in the number 10 role against Coventry City. | Getty Images