‘Lightweight’ attacker dropped as 26-year-old gets rare nod - West Brom predicted XI vs Middlesbrough
Predicting Ryan Mason’s West Bromwich Albion lineup to face Derby County at home in the Championship.
West Bromwich Albion head out on the road this Friday night for a tough away trip at fellow promotion chasers Middlesbrough.
The Baggies will be determined to make a strong response this weekend after suffering a frustrating 1-0 defeat to bogey team Derby County last time out. Albion absolutely dominated proceedings at The Hawthorns but were undone by a late goal from former West Brom man Andreas Weimann.
Ryan Mason has a few selection dilemmas to consider, especially after the lack of clinical edge last week. West Brom had 18 shots and 68% possession against the Rams but weren’t able to find a breakthrough. Mason will want far better from his attacking players and so he could switch things up.
West Brom predicted lineup vs Middlesbrough
With all of that in mind, here’s the XI we reckon Mason will name at the Riverside.
GK - Josh Griffiths: The young goalkeeper has done well when called upon and appears to be firmly ahead of Joe Wildsmith in the goalkeeping pecking order, at least in the Championship.
RB - George Campbell: Moved to right-back since Darnell Furlong’s departure, Campbell has played fairly well in that role and will probably start again. Krystian Bielik could replace him at some stage, mind.
CB - Nat Phillips: West Brom’s £3 million summer signing has been such a good addition so far. The former Liverpool man would probably head a brick for this team. His bravery is immense.
CB - Chris Mepham: The Welshman was superb on his debut as he helped Albion keep a huge clean sheet at the bet365 Stadium. It wasn’t such a strong display last time out, but he’s undoubtedly good enough to start.
LB - Callum Styles: There’s now more competition for the left-back spot following the arrival of Charlie Taylor on loan from Southampton, but Styles kept his place last weekend and is likely to do so again.
CM - Jayson Molumby: Hard working and gritty, Molumby is the kind of midfielder Mason appreciates and he will start most games. Toby Collyer will probably continue to be gradually integrated with cameos off the bench.
CM - Alex Mowatt: Still on plenty of set pieces and one of the better passers in the squad, Mowatt has beebest fit to sit in alongside Molumby. The pair know each other well.
CAM - Isaac Price: Signed in January, Price has already proven himself as a gamechanger. The Northern Ireland international was a bargain at £2.5 million and he’s now one of the first names on the team sheet.
RW - Samuel Iling Junior: Given how poor Jed Wallace was against Derby, Iling Junior could come in for his full debut. It could be a good time for it as the Aston Villa loanee takes on his former club.
LW - Mikey Johnston: Probably Albion’s star man in last week’s defeat, Johnston definitely deserves to start once again. The Republic of Ireland international provides plenty of useful energy down the flank.
ST - Josh Maja: Now ready to play from the off, as confirmed by Mason, Maja could lead the line by making a rare start. Aune Heggebø, albeit a talent, has been pretty lightweight up top and could be benched.