West Bromwich Albion will aim to replicate their excellent display from last weekend’s win over Middlesbrough when they take on Hull City on Friday night. The Baggies produced one of their best performances under Carlos Corberan to beat the Championship’s most in-form side at The Hawthorns on Saturday.
Daryl Dike grabbed a brace within the space of two minutes to secure victory for Albion, picking up his second and third goals at The Hawthorns in the process. The Baggies held out with minimal fuss, with Josh Griffiths only being forced to make a single save of note as he denied Isiah Jones a consolation goal with a sprawling save in added time.
Hosts Hull sit five places above West Brom in the second-tier table, having not won any of their last four matches in the league. They lost their last game when in-form Bristol City beat them 1-0 and Liam Rosenior’s men haven’t scored in either of their previous two matches.
Albion remain six points away from the play-off positions despite their triumphant win last Saturday but continue to be positive about their chances after that good showing. With just 13 games left of the campaign to go, they must string a run of form similar to the beginning of Corberan’s reign if they are to make the top six.
Corberan seemed to pick the right combination of players to achieve a good result against Boro; here’s what we think he might opt for on Friday.
5. CB: Semi Ajayi
Erik Pieters is a doubt after being forced off against Boro, with Ajayi taking his place late in the game. Depending on his condition, the Nigerian could take his place on Friday. | Getty Images
6. LB: Conor Townsend
Dominant on the left-hand side, Townsend produced one of his best showings of the campaign against Michael Carrick’s side to deal with the frequent overlaps from the opposition. | Getty Images
7. CM: Okay Yokuslu
Integral in stopping the division’s top scorer Chuba Akpom last weekend, Yokuslu will be Albion’s first pick when it comes to midfielders. | Getty Images
8. CM: Jayson Molumby
The Irishman continues to put in all-energy displays that are beginning to make him irreplaceable in the middle of the park. Expect to see him start again on Friday night. | Getty Images