Karlan Grant injury decision made as 'Mr Reliable' starts - West Brom predicted XI vs Derby County

West Brom head away to the newly-promoted Derby County on Boxing Day, eager to move up into the Championship top six with another three points.

The Baggies returned to winning ways at the weekend with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Bristol City, courtesy of a delightful double from winger Mikey Johnston. The hope will be to round off 2024 with a bang as Albion head out on two away trips, to Derby and then onto Championship leaders Sheffield United.

Carlos Corberan had to make do without Karlan Grant and Callum Styles for the Bristol game on Sunday but there’s been a positive update as both players have trained and are in contention for Thursday. Including decisions for the returning pair, here’s how we think Albion will shape up against the Rams.

West Brom predicted XI vs Derby

GK - Alex Palmer: The goalkeeper has started the new season strongly, keeping clean sheets in 11 of the 22 Championship matches so far.

RB - Darnell Furlong: Mister Reliable, Furlong is one of the first names on the team sheet. Sunderland away in November was his only ever game missed under Corberan.

CB - Mason Holgate: The Everton loanee is likely to start again as he looks comfortable alongside an array of centre-back partners.

CB: Kyle Bartley: An experienced figure in the middle, Bartley needs to have his minutes managed but should be able to start once more following a clean sheet.

LB - Torbjorn Heggem: The Norwegian has been very consistent so far this season. Callum Styles, meanwhile, is likelier to come off the bench after his injury.

CM - Jayson Molumby: It’s a difficult call between Uros Racic and Molumby, but we reckon the latter will play as Racic is struggling in his current role.

CM - Alex Mowatt: Back in the XI after missing out against Watford, Mowatt played well in the recent win at The Hawthorns and should start again.

RM - Tom Fellows: The England Under-21 international is without doubt one of the Baggies’ most dangerous players. He causes defenders nightmares.

LM - Mikey Johnston: Full of confidence having netted the only two goals of the game last time out, Johnston will be keen to build momentum.

CAM - John Swift: We could see Swift keep his place in the number 10 role as Corberan rotates between the forwards ahead of him.

ST - Karlan Grant: Expected to be fully fit following a minor issue, the ultra-impressive Grant could slot in to give Josh Maja a much needed rest.