‘Electric signing’ starts as Tony Mowbray makes £3.3m decision - West Brom predicted XI vs Blackburn

West Brom are in Championship action at The Hawthorns once more as they play host to fellow play-off hopefuls Blackburn Rovers on Wednesday night.

The Baggies, currently in fifth and two points ahead of sixth-placed Blackburn, will see this is a huge opportunity to build a gap in the top-six race. It’s arguably the best time to face Rovers, too, as they have lost five of their last six outings in all competitions, most recently defeated 2-0 by Wolverhampton Wanderers in the FA Cup fourth round.

There’s also plenty of uncertainty surrounding their manager John Eustace, who is currently in talks to take over at Derby County after the Rams sacked Paul Warne. Derby triggered the compensation clause in Eustace’s contract and the former Birmingham City head coach is surprisingly keen on the role despite the Rams being in a relegation battle as opposed to a play-off fight.

At the time of publication, it’s uncertain whether Eustace will even be in charge this Wednesday. Either way, Blackburn will be rocked by the recent developments and could suffer on the pitch.

West Brom, fresh off the back of a dramatic late 2-1 win over Sheffield Wednesday, will be eager to take full advantage of Rovers’ situation with a positive result at The Hawthorns. Tony Mowbray has a wealth of options to consider for his starting XI against his former team, too, though he will have to make do without the suspended Kyle Bartley.

West Brom predicted lineup vs Blackburn

GK - Joe Wildsmith: The chosen goalkeeper following the departure of Alex Palmer, Wildsmith will probably start again. It feels harsh on Josh Griffiths after being recalled from being a regular on loan at Bristol Rovers.

RB - Darnell Furlong: Previously one of Carlos Corberan’s star men and now transitioned into a new era, Furlong is one of Albion’s most reliable players.

CB: Mason Holgate: The Everton loanee missed the win over Wednesday through illness but is bound to return now Kyle Bartley is suspended.

CB - Torbjorn Heggem: Nobody has made more tackles for West Brom this term than Heggem, who has been arguably the signing of the campaign so far.

LB - Callum Styles: Another decent addition from the summer, Styles has made the left-back his own ahead of Gianluca Frabotta.

RM - Tom Fellows: The wonderkid was benched against Wednesday but impressed as a substitute. He deserves to start most games.

CM - Alex Mowatt: A starter in all four of Mowbray’s games to date, Mowatt is bound to continue his run in the heart of the team.

CM - Jayson Molumby: The dramatic winning goalscorer at the weekend, Molumby could become an important player under Mowbray.

LM - Mikey Johnston: The Irishman has been a little hot and cold at times but his creativeness on the left should benefit the new strikers leading the line.

ST - Will Lankshear: In on loan from Tottenham, Lankshear was electric off the bench on his debut and could be in line for a first start. £3.3m signing Tammer Bany, meanwhile, has only just joined up with the squad.

ST - Adam Armstrong: The Baggies’ deadline day signing from Southampton could prove pivotal in the race for a top-six finish, as shown by his goal on his debut.