New roles for three players as Tony Mowbray changes formation - West Brom predicted XI vs Burnley

West Brom head out on the road this Tuesday night for a tricky clash away at automatic promotion chasers Burnley.

Albion are unbeaten in their last four following the disappointing 2-0 defeat to Blackburn Rovers and Tony Mowbray’s men are beginning to feel a little more comfortable in the play-off fight after the weekend’s narrow 1-0 win over Queens Park Rangers. That was a hard-fought three points at The Hawthorns as Albion were down to ten men for the whole second half, owing to a controversial red card for Darnell Furlong.

The Baggies will be seeking to continue their fine form at Turf Moor but it certainly won’t be easy at Burnley have lost just two Championship matches all season. The Clarets have remarkably kept clean sheets in 12 of their last 13 league outings, conceding just one goal in that time – in the recent 2-1 win away at Cardiff City.

West Brom will have to be at their absolute best if they are to score a goal at Burnley, let alone win the game. Mowbray could throw a spanner in the works with his team selection to try and surprise Scott Parker, perhaps changing to a fluid back three with wing-backs.

As right-back Furlong is suspended, this could be a good time to experiment with a back three, creating an attacking overload through the centre with three midfielders and two strikers. The wing-backs would then provide the width with early crosses into the area perhaps the best way to find a way through Burnley’s sturdy defence.

West Brom predicted lineup vs Burnley

With that potential approach in mind, here’s the XI we reckon Mowbray could name at Turf Moor.

GK - Joe Wildsmith: The chosen goalkeeper following the departure of Alex Palmer, Wildsmith will continue his run of starts, as harsh as it may be on Josh Griffiths.

CB - Mason Holgate: The Everton loanee is the most obvious replacement for Darnell Furlong, who is suspended. A change to a back three could be effective.

CB: Kyle Bartley: Vital for his experience and aerial dominance in the heart of defence, Bartley’s presence is greatly appreciated by Mowbray.

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.

RWB - Tom Fellows: With Furlong unavailable, Fellows could shift into a new role as a right wing-back to provide width as well as defensive cover.

LWB - Callum Styles: Another decent addition from the summer, Styles has made the left-back spot his own. He could work well a little further forward ahead of a three.

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

CM - Jayson Molumby: The Irishman has developed a decent partnership with Mowatt and should stay in the XI. Ousmane Diakite could be useful for his physicality off the bench.

CAM - Isaac Price: The winter signing has been superb in the number 10 role, linking up play between the midfield and attack.

ST - Will Lankshear: Not used at all at the weekend, Lankshear will be fresh and could cause problems for Burnley. Daryl Dike is another option if he’s ready to start.

ST - Adam Armstrong: The Baggies’ deadline day signing from Southampton could prove pivotal in the race for a top-six finish. He’s scored twice in six games so far.

In other news, Mowbray has revealed a conversation with a defender who he hopes to utilise in a new position.