Tony Mowbray makes rare West Brom team news hint ahead of Millwall clash

Tony Mowbray has hinted at a defensive switch-up ahead of this Saturday’s trip to Millwall in the Championship.

The West Brom head coach was a frustrated figure after his side’s 2-0 defeat to fellow play-off chasers Blackburn Rovers on Wednesday night, especially given the cheap nature of the goals conceded. Mowbray wanted to see more fight and desire from his central defenders - particularly for the first goal - as they didn’t battle hard enough for first balls.

Although he didn’t name Torbjorn Heggem and Mason Holgate directly, Mowbray insinuated his disappointment at the pair’s failure to stop an easy header across the area before Makhtar Gueye volleyed in to open the scoring for Blackburn. West Brom’s manager admitted he could have done with the suspended Kyle Bartley’s aerial presence in that instance.

“Bartley is a huge miss for the team because he’s a huge centre-half who can dominate aerially really,” Mowbray said. “I spent my whole career trying to make first contact from set plays and you’re got to make first contact. Even a flick or a glance - you don’t have to bullet header everything to the halfway line.

“You just can’t let them have a free header that goes back across the six-yard box and the boy volleys in. I think Bartley brings that naturally to our team.”

Mowbray hints at West Brom change

Bartley isn’t available yet again as he’s banned for a further two matches following his red card after full time against Sheffield Wednesday last weekend. There’s a player with similar height and physical attributes who Mowbray may call upon, however, and the boss hinted he could make an appearance.

When asked about Semi Ajayi’s return to the matchday squad on Wednesday, Mowbray responded: “He wouldn't have been on the bench if he wasn't (fit enough to get on). It was because of Karlan’s (Grant’s) illness, it was worth it if we needed to put him on when winning 1-0 and they were bombarding us.”

Ajayi doesn’t quite have the same presence as Bartley - and Mowbray is the first to admit that - but the Nigerian is likelier to head the ball away than Holgate, for instance. Heggem has been solid for much of this season, so Holgate would probably be the one to make way for Ajayi.

On the dilemma, Mowbray added: “Yeah, maybe (he is ready to start), but I don't think Semi is Bartley, is he? He's six foot five, lightning fast. Bartley seems to have the personality to engage with the team, make accountability on the pitch.

“I'm not sure Semi's personality is that, while he's a lovely lad and has got wonderful attributes, I'm not sure one of those is the commanding of the team."

The trip to Millwall is vitally important for Albion as another defeat could see them drop out of the Championship top six. Blackburn leapfrogged the Baggies midweek, while Bristol City and Sheffield Wednesday are now within just two points. Stringing together some more consistent results would be a huge aid.