Carlos Corberan has few options to choose from when it comes to selecting his West Bromwich Albion starting 11 to face Stoke City on Saturday. The Baggies have been hit with an injury crisis which has seen several key players forced out of action, denting their play-off hopes and leaving them in a mid-table position.
Albion supporters were left frustrated as they saw their side blow a two-goal lead against relegation strugglers Queens Park Rangers on Saturday. This meant Corberan’s side picked up just one point out of six over the Easter weekend against two sides in the bottom half.
But their issues aren’t likely to improve as they travel away from home on Saturday to take on Stoke, with Albion failing to win any of their last seven games on their travels. The hosts have also seen a slight upturn in their form, only losing one of their last seven matches.
And the Baggies don’t have the best record when taking on the Potters, winning just one of their last four meetings with the Staffordshire-based side. But it’s imperative that they try to reignite their play-off push with victory this weekend, after not winning in their last four.
Here’s the lineup we think Corberan could go for on Saturday to give West Brom the best chance of doing so.
1. GK: Alex Palmer
Back following a three-month injury absence; Palmer could take the place of youngster Josh Griffiths, who made a glaring error for QPR’s equaliser.
2. LB: Conor Townsend
Captained the side for the Easter fixtures against Rotherham and QPR; a lack of options in his position see him virtually guaranteed a starting spot.
3. CB: Semi Ajayi
Scored against QPR from a set piece but looked slightly suspect when defending against the physical strike force of Lyndon Dykes and Chris Martin. However, with no other senior centre-backs fit - Ajayi should make the cut.
4. CB: Erik Pieters
Struggled both on and off the ball last time out and played a dodgy back pass to goalkeeper Griffiths for the second goal.