Brandon Thomas-Asante injury decision made as Carlos Corberan axes ‘rusty’ midfielder - West Brom predicted XI vs Hull City

West Bromwich Albion are in action for one of their most important games of the season so far as they travel away to Hull City in the Sky Bet Championship on Saturday afternoon.

Albion, in fifth, regained a four-point buffer to seventh with a terrific 3-0 win at Plymouth Argyle midweek but all the hard work could be undone with a defeat in Hull this weekend. The Tigers are merely one point behind the Baggies heading into this one, albeit with a much worse defensive record.

West Brom winning would be a huge step towards qualifying for the play-offs, while dropping points would give the likes of Coventry City and Norwich City behind an excellent opportunity to close the gap. Focus and composure are needed and Carlos Corberan will be encouraged by the away day hoodoo being rid of last time out.

There are some key decisions to be made regarding the starting lineup. Mikey Johnston's superb cameo off the bench at Plymouth could earn him a start, while doubt around a potential injury for Brandon Thomas-Asante causes a selection headache up top.

West Brom predicted lineup vs Hull City

With the two big calls assessed, as well as a couple of others, here's the starting XI we predict West Brom will name at MKM Stadium.

GK - Alex Palmer

Palmer had hardly anything to do at Plymouth but it was a clean sheet nonetheless. He played fairly well against Southampton, too, despite defeat.

RB - Darnell Furlong

Furlong looked brilliant when Pipa first arrived as the competition seemed to boost him. He’s leveled out since, though, and could do with another kick of motivation.

CB - Cedric Kipre

Kipre was Albion’s best defender as a first away clean sheet in five attempts was preserved last time out.

CB - Erik Pieters

Pieters was excellent at Home Park and may just start ahead of Semi Ajayi again. Many thought it would be Ajayi back in but Pieters has shown great composure.

LB - Conor Townsend

Townsend is effectively guaranteed to start at left-back when Pieters is in the centre. Even when Pieters isn’t, Townsend is ahead in the pecking order.

CM - Okay Yokuslu

The Turkey international was benched last time out but should come back in for Nathaniel Chalobah, who was rather rusty in the south west.

CM - Alex Mowatt

Mowatt has been excellent in the number eight role as Yokuslu’s partner this season. Corberan values the former Middlesbrough man’s composure in possession.

RW - Tom Fellows

Fellows has been such an exciting watch this campaign and he cemented his spot further with a fine goal at Plymouth.

LW - Mikey Johnston

Johnston scored a wonderful strike midweek, dribbling past two or three defenders before finding the top corner. He deserves a start.

CAM - Jed Wallace

Wallace moved into a fluid attacking midfield role in the second half at Plymouth. We could see the same again if Fellows and Johnston indeed both start.

ST - Andi Weimann

Weimann disappointed up top on Tuesday but he’ll be as keen as anyone to put that right. Corberan won’t risk Brandon Thomas-Asante, meanwhile, after he tweaked his hamstring.