West Bromwich Albion are back in Sky Bet Championship action on Friday evening as they take on Coventry City at The Hawthorns. The Baggies will be keen to execute revenge on their Midlands rivals as the Sky Blues were victorious in the reverse fixture in December.
Last time out, Carlos Corberan’s side were dumped out of the FA Cup after a poor showing against Bristol City at Ashton Gate. Crashing out of the competition in the Fourth Round, fans were disappointed by a below-par display.
Their most recent Championship game also ended in defeat when they traveled to Turf Moor to face league leaders Burnley. Goals from Clarets duo Nathan Tella and Scott Twine condemned Albion to defeat after a Darnell Furlong header handed them an early lead.
Still, Albion remain within a point of the play-off positions after a dramatic turnaround since Corberan took over in late October, when they were bottom of the table. They will be hoping to shift up the standings with a positive result under the lights.
The Spaniard opted for a strong starting XI last time out against the Robins and we expect him to go for something similar tonight. See below.
1. GK: Alex Palmer
The goalkeeper has been a revelation since making his first-team breakthrough earlier in the season and should retain his spot.
2. RB: Darnell Furlong
Albion aren’t spoilt for choice in the full-back areas, but Furlong has shown promise with his recent performances.
3. CB: Dara O’Shea
Corberan’s captain of choice has been reliable as ever during the Baggies’ upturn in form.
4. CB: Erik Pieters
With Kyle Bartley still recovering from injury and Semi Ajayi still lacking in match sharpness, the Dutchman is likely to keep his place in the starting XI.