Controversial defender pick as ‘jaded’ midfielder risked - West Brom predicted XI v Forest Green - gallery
Here’s how we predict West Bromwich Albion to line up against Forest Green Rovers in Friday’s pre-season friendly.
West Bromwich Albion are in action for the penultimate time this pre-season as they take on Sky Bet League Two side Forest Green Rovers away from home on Friday evening.
Kicking off at 7pm at the Bolt New Lawn Stadium, the Baggies will be eager to get a win under their belt following three successive games without tasting victory.
Carlos Corberan hasn’t been able to work with any new recruits so far and has had to get used to life without Dara O’Shea and Daryl Dike, who have been sold and injured respectively.
Jeremy Sarmiento has just been signed on an 11-month loan deal from Brighton & Hove Albion but is unlikely to start due to fitness issues, so that run will continue for Albion’s head coach.
There have been some impressive performers over the last few weeks, though, and Corberan will be eager to see further improvements with just over a week to go until the Championship returns.
With that in mind, flick through the pages to see the starting lineup we think West Brom will go with at Forest Green, as well as explanations for each inclusion.
1. GK - Josh Griffiths
Lost his spot to Alex Palmer against Burton but should come back in for rotation purposes.
2. RB - Taylor Gardner-Hickman
Another change of role for the versatile 21-year-old, TGH, who played at number 10 a few days ago, could drop into the right-back spot like he did at times last season.
3. CB - Cedric Kipre
Controversial perhaps not to swap Kipre out after a relatively poor afternoon at Burton but Corberan will be eager to see more from the Ivorian.
4. CB - Caleb Taylor
Impressing this pre-season after returning from his loan spell at Cheltenham Town. Could well be a starter for the opening Championship weekend.