West Brom predicted line-up vs Birmingham City: three changes made amid big Mepham decision
West Brom’s predicted lineup to face Birmingham City in the Championship
It’s the battle of two former Tottenham coaches in the dugout this weekend as former Ange Postecoglou assistants Ryan Mason and Chris Davies collide in an epic Midlands derby at the Hawthorns.
West Brom enter the fixture in 17th after a dismal drop off in results. They looked to be on course to secure a shock victory against Coventry City at the weekend but allowed their two goal advantage to slip in an agonising 3-2 loss in a match which also saw Jayson Molumby get sent off.
The Baggies are four points behind the play-off positions and nine behind the automatic promotion places, but know that they’ll need to start stringing some results together soon if Mason is to be a success this season.
Ahead of kick-off, we’ve already taken a look at Birmingham City’s predicted XI for the fixture - now it’s the turn of West Brom - but will Mason opt to stick with most of the team that started the game well against Coventry or twist and try something different? Here we take a look at the team he’s likely to field.
West Brom predicted XI vs Birmingham: goalkeeper and defence
GK: Josh Griffiths: The former Bristol Rovers loanee has started each match this season, keeping four clean sheets in the process. He’s likely to retain his place between the posts.
RB: Alfie Gilchrist: The 21-year-old could be given an opportunity to start at full-back after being benched at Coventry City.
CB: Nat Phillips: The summer signing hasn’t missed a single minute of Championship action this season and should keep his place in the heart of defence. He’s just one yellow away from a suspension so may need to walk a tightrope.
CB: George Campbell: The USA international returns to a more familiar centre-back spot ahead of Chris Mepham in a slight defensive reshuffle.
LB: Charlie Taylor: Experienced former Burnley defender Taylor starts at left-back. He’ll likely have to deal with Patrick Roberts on the right wing.
West Brom predicted XI vs Birmingham: midfield and attack
CM: Ousmane Diakité: The Mali international is expected to come in to replace the suspended Jayson Molumby as West Brom aim to win the middle battle against a team that prides itself on keeping possession.
CM: Alex Mowatt: The skipper rarely misses a minute for West Brom and is expected to have an important role to play if the Baggies are to come out on top against their West Midland counterparts.
CAM: Isaac Price: West Brom’s main source of goals will look to try and find the net for the first time in five matches. He claimed a crucial assist against Oxford United but struggled to impact proceedings against Coventry.
RM: Michael Johnston: West Brom’s chief creator is expected to start on the right side of midfield as the Baggies aim for a positive home performance.
LM: Samuel Iling-Junior: The Aston Villa loanee comes in to replace Karlan Grant in the starting lineup.
ST: Aune Heggebø: The big summer signing has taken time to settle but his recent brace against Coventry is a real positive sign that he can begin to score more goals at this level. He’s on four for the season so far.