West Brom predicted XI vs Millwall: key striker call as Baggies bid to climb into automatic promotion spots
West Brom have the opportunity to climb into the top two this weekend
West Brom have enjoyed a productive start to the new Championship season, picking up 14 points from eight league matches so far. The Baggies sit fourth in the Championship table after a crucial 1-0 victory over Norwich City saw the team climb back into the play-offs. Last term’s top scorer Josh Maja crucially decided the match with his first of the season and is now looking to pick up where he left off after a difficult spell on the sidelines through injury.
It was an encouraging away performance, and the team’s third win in four matches on the road this season. It also gave West Brom their third clean sheet of the campaign so far as they continue to try and cement their status as one of the Championship’s meanest defences. West Brom have fared excellently away from home so far and will hope to keep that momentum going when they make the trip to the capital to face a Millwall team that have enjoyed anything but home comforts after a run of three defeats in four matches at The Den this term.
West Brom have won just one of their 13 away league games against Millwall and are without a win in five years against this weekend’s opponents. However, they are determined to turn that around and have the added incentive of potentially climbing into the automatic promotion places if results go in their favour. With that in mind, ahead of kick-off, we take a look at how Ryan Mason’s West Brom are likely to start the game in South London.
West Brom predicted line-up: goalkeeper and defence
GK: Josh Griffiths: The young goalkeeper has been their first choice so far this season and is showing promise after Alex Palmer’s exit in January. He has emerged from the shadows after loan spells at Cheltenham Town, Lincoln City, Portsmouth and Bristol Rovers, and has so far looked at home in the second tier of English football.
RB: George Campbell: The USA international has looked like a solid addition since arriving from the MLS , and has boosted his chances of making the World Cup squad with a series of steady displays so far. Alfie Gilchrist, who spent time on loan at Sheffield United, could provide competition, however.
CB: Nat Phillips: The former Liverpool centre-back has been one of the most consistent players for West Brom since arriving in the summer and could prove crucial in the team’s push to return to the top-flight.
CB: Chris Mepham: Two-time Championship promotion winner Mepham has adapted well to life in the West Midlands and has high hopes of reaching the Premier League again.
LB: Charlie Taylor: The former Southampton and Burnley ace has provided the team with plenty of experience and is another that understands what it takes to get out of this division after winning promotion with the Clarets in the past.
West Brom predicted line-up: midfield and attack
CM: Jayson Molumby: The 26-year-old recently made his 150th appearance for West Brom and looks likely to be get close to 200 by the end of the campaign. He’s been solid so far in the middle of the park and is expected to retain his starting spot.
CM: Alex Mowatt: The Doncaster-born midfielder, who signed a contract extension in July, continues to be a key player for West Brom. He’s got over 350 matches of Championship experience and is bidding to reach the Premier League for the first time in his career.
CAM: Isaac Price: With three goals and one assists there’s no doubting that Price is one of the most in-form players in the Championship at present. He’s stepped up really well this season and looks to be a key source of creativity and goals.
RM: Samuel Iling-Junior: The former Juventus man, who has been signed on loan from Aston Villa, found the net against Leicester City and has deservedly started both of the last two matches. He’s expected to keep his place once again against Millwall.
LM: Mikey Johnston: The Republic of Ireland international is expected to step up and show more after Tom Fellows’ exit, and has so far delivered with three assists and one goal.
ST: Josh Maja: A fit and firing Maja is a force to be reckoned with at this level. He’s expected to keep his place after netting the winner last time out.