Alex Mowatt ‘issue’ assessed as ‘outstanding’ attacker starts - West Brom predicted XI vs Middlesbrough

West Brom return to The Hawthorns on Tuesday night to take on fellow promotion hopefuls Middlesbrough in the Championship.

The Baggies will be looking for a response following their unbeaten run came to an abrupt end at the weekend. Sheffield Wednesday proved too clinical, running out 3-2 winners in a thriller at Hillsborough.

Much of the attention was rightfully away from the scoreline, though, as Albion fan Mark Townsend tragically lost his life in the away end following a medical emergency. The players will wear black armbands for Tuesday’s clash with Boro and there will be a minute’s applause in the 57th minute out of respect for Mark.

This fixture could prove to be another banana skin for West Brom as Middlesbrough have been in decent form despite being yet to properly kick into gear. Michael Carrick’s side have won three and drawn two of their opening seven matches, losing just twice.

Albion will show great respect for their opposition and will have to be at their absolute best to get back to winning ways. With that in mind, here’s the strong starting lineup we predict Carlos Corberan will name in front of a packed out crowd under the lights at The Hawthorns.

West Brom predicted XI vs Middlesbrough

GK - Alex Palmer

Palmer, last season’s Championship Golden Glove winner, already has four clean sheets so far this term. He’ll be keen to make that five this midweek.

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 be knocking on the door at some stage but it’s Ajayi’s place to lose.

CB - Kyle Bartley

Bartley, who has donned the captain’s armband when Jed Wallace hasn’t been on the field, provides leadership and experience at the heart of defence.

LB - Torbjorn Heggem

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

CM - Jayson Molumby

Molumby could rotate in for Uros Racic following one missed match and another as a substitute. The Irishman started the season superbly before his minor injury.

CM - Alex Mowatt

Mowatt should return to the XI after only making the bench at Wednesday. The midfielder had an adductor issue but has now recovered.

RW - Tom Fellows

Fellows, now firmly in the fold for England Under-21s, has five assists in seven league appearances so far. Corberan will want more of the same.

LW - Karlan Grant

Grant has made a remarkable resurgence this season and deserves to keep on playing. Most Albion fans can’t quite believe what they’re seeing but there are no complaints.

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 in outstanding fashion, netting seven goals in as many games. He’s now a guaranteed starter when fit.