West Bromwich Albion will be eager to continue their brilliant form as they take on Sky Bet Championship leaders Burnley away from home on Friday evening. The Baggies have staggered everyone as they have soared themselves into the playoff spots just under three months on from being rock bottom of the division.
Carlos Corberan has totally revolutionised the football club, it seems, as Albion have won 10 games out of 13 in all competitions since the Spaniard first took to the dugout. Relegation began to look like a real possibility if they were not to buck their ideas up, but they have done far more than that as promotion could now genuinely be on the cards.
There is of course plenty of the season still to play, with 21 matches to come, but there is a lot of optimism in West Bromwich. Friday brings a huge challenge, however, as Corberan’s men take on a Burnley side with just two defeats in 27 fixtures this term. Vincent Kompany’s side team have won seven successive Championship games, with their last loss at Sheffield United.
Albion will have hope of getting at least a point from the clash as Burnley have drawn eight this season, but they will have to be at their absolute best to pull it off. With that in mind, here is the very strong West Brom starting XI we expect at Turf Moor. See below.
5. LB: Conor Townsend
Just like Furlong, has shown a real improvement under the new manager and was even on the scoresheet at Luton. | Getty Images
6. CM: Okay Yokuslu
Grabbed a brace a couple of weeks ago at home to Preston and has been impressive at the base of Corberan’s midfield. | Getty Images
7. CM: Jayson Molumby
Although we would love to play Tom Rogic, we feel as if Molumby is better defensively. A tough call, but a necessary one to make when playing the league leaders. | Getty Images
8. CAM: John Swift
Finally got back in the goals last time out after a long while without scoring. Corberan will be hoping for more of the same. | Getty Images