Steve Bruce will be looking to make it fifth time lucky as he searches for his first win as West Brom manager on Monday evening with Swansea City the visitors to the Hawthorns.
It’s been a far from ideal start to life in the west midlands for Bruce who has watched the team lose their grip on the Championship play-offs to the extreme where they now sit in the bottom half of the table for the first time this campaign.
Eight points is now the gap between where they currently sit (13th) and the final play-off spot in sixth and whilst there’s still a lot of football to be played, losing any more ground could make what is an already difficult task look near impossible.
With the names available, a change in formation could be likely vs the Swans with a revert to five at the back a strong possibility.
Dara O’Shea’s return was welcomed but playing at right-back seems a waste of his talent and with the sheer number of centre-backs at the club - regardless of Bruce’s usual preferences - it could prove the most logical solution.
With that in mind, here’s the line-up we think Bruce will go with on Monday evening.
1. GK - Sam Johnstone
One of the few that is in no danger of losing his spot.
2. RWB - Darnell Furlong
Whilst it was good to see Dara O’Shea back last week, he struggled at full-back. Furlong coming back in allows him to move centrally.
3. CB - Dara O’Shea
As above, he had a steady return for the most parts but struggled in the second half playing at full-back against Boro’s quick wingers. Will be much nicer to see him centrally. Photo: GARETH COPLEY
4. CB - Kyle Bartley
Him and Ajayi had their best game as a partnership versus Boro. As the captain, expect Bartley to slot in the middle of a back three. Photo: George Wood