'Questionable' change up top as Corberan makes £3m call - West Brom predicted XI vs Portsmouth

West Bromwich Albion return to Championship action on Sunday afternoon as they travel south to face the newly-promoted Portsmouth.

Carlos Corberan’s side will be eager to continue the momentum established before the international break, with 10 points collected out of an available 12 so far. Only Sunderland, top of the league with four wins in four, have maintained a better record throughout the early fixtures.

Pompey have made a decent return to the second tier following their rise from League One, with three draws and one defeat in their first games back placing them in 18th place. John Mousinho’s men will have taken great confidence from going toe-to-toe with Leeds United, Luton Town and Middlesbrough.

Portsmouth’s baptism of fire continues with three more top oppositions to face in the next few weeks. West Brom come to town this weekend before a trip to Burnley and the hosting of Sheffield United. Albion will be keen to kick off that run by inflicting defeat on Sunday’s hosts.

West Brom predicted lineup vs Portsmouth

Here’s the Albion starting XI that Birmingham World reporter Charlie Haffenden predicts will be named to face Pompey.

GK - Alex Palmer

Palmer, last season’s Championship Golden Glove winner, has two clean sheets so far this term. He’ll be keen to make that three at Fratton Park.

RB - Darnell Furlong

Furlong has started the new campaign excellently, carrying on his superb form. Nobody is claiming his place at right-back anytime soon.

CB - Semi Ajayi

The Nigerian has made a great start to 2024/25. Mason Holgate will soon be knocking on the door but it’s Ajayi’s place to lose.

CB - Kyle Bartley

Bartley, who donned the captain’s armband in Jed Wallace’s absence, provides leadership and experience at the heart of defence.

LB - Torbjorn Heggem

New signing Heggem is already locked in. He could eventually move in-field when Gianluca Frabotta settles in but stays at left-back for now.

CM - Jayson Molumby

Molumby will be looking over his shoulder at Uros Racic but should keep his spot in the lineup for the foreseeable future.

CM - Alex Mowatt

Mowatt will play most of the minutes available to him this campaign, without a doubt. Corberan is a big fan of the midfielder in the number eight role.

RW - Tom Fellows

Fellows comes into this clash on the back of scoring his first goal for England Under-21s. Corberan will want the promising winger to continue his fine form.

LW - Mikey Johnston

It’s a controversial call to bench Karlan Grant given his terrific resurgence but marquee signing Johnston surely has to start. It’s a tough call for the next few weeks.

CAM - John Swift

Swift should stay in the XI ahead of Wallace, many would suggest. His set pieces are a big plus and he’s been one of the best playmakers in the entire division.

ST - Josh Maja

Maja has started the new campaign brilliantly, netting four goals in as many games. He’s effectively a guaranteed starter when fit.