West Bromwich Albion play host to Sheffield United on Saturday as supporters welcome new manager Carlos Corberan to the Hawthorns for the first time. The Baggies will be hoping to get off to a decent start with the Spaniard in the dugout, eager to bounce back after a 2-1 defeat away at Millwall last weekend.
Kyle Bartley was sent off in that game, adding further insult to injury as Tyler Burey scored a late 90th-minute winner for the hosts. Corberan won’t have had long with his new squad of players having only joined on Tuesday evening, but he’ll be keen to give off a good impression - and immediately put right plenty of wrongs.
Currently in the Championship relegation zone after a dismal start to the campaign, West Brom will likely see quite a few changes to team selections under the new head coach. One positive is that Saturday’s opposition, despite being potential title contenders, have had a poor run of results with three defeats in their last five.
It could be a good opportunity for Corberan to get some early backing from supporters - and he will likely make a shift in formation right away. With Huddersfield Town last term, Corberan often went back to basics with a 4-4-2 formation and it proved effective as they largely overachieved, reaching the playoff final.
With that in mind, here is how we think his first line-up will look like - with changes a plenty from West Brom’s defeat in east London.
1. GK - Alex Palmer
Taking over from David Button as West Brom’s number one goalkeeper toward the end of Bruce’s tenure, we expect Alex Palmer to retain his spot. Palmer conceded far fewer goals than Button and has proved his worth.
2. RB - Darnell Furlong
Moving backward slightly from his right wing-back role under Bruce, we predict Furlong will play at right-back for Corberan’s first match. The shift helps facilitate a 4-4-2 formation and his physicality should suit the position well.
3. CB - Dara O’Shea
One of the few shining lights this season so far, O’Shea has been a regular in the centre of defence for Albion. We expect him to stay there, especially given his aerial presence - with two goals to his name this term.
4. CB - Okay Yokuslu
Versatile midfielder and defender Yokuslu could drop into the centre back role for the clash with Sheffield United. It seems to make the most sense with Kyle Bartley suspended after receiving two yellow cards at Millwall, and Semi Ajayi still a doubt.