'Controversial' attacking decision made as Corberan rewards new signing - West Brom predicted XI vs Stoke City

The Baggies are in action for their third clash of the new Sky Bet Championship campaign as they travel away to bet365 Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Carlos Corberan will be delighted with his team’s two performances so far as Albion came from behind to beat Queens Park Rangers 3-1 and drew 0-0 with title hopefuls Leeds United. The first game was a cracker as Josh Maja netted a hat-trick at Loftus Road, then the second was an inspired and resilient showing against a top opposition at The Hawthorns.

Albion fans will be hoping to see more of the same from their side this weekend. Stoke, mid-table in 13th spot, are in mixed form as they lost 3-0 away at Watford on the opening weekend but responded with a tidy 1-0 win over Coventry City.

The Potters appeared to gain confidence from the 2-0 victory away at Carlisle United in the Carabao Cup. Steven Schumacher’s men will be keen to kick on from the two wins last week with another three points, perhaps moving into the Championship top half.

West Brom, meanwhile, can solidify their spot in the top six with a win and keep up with the likes of Burnley, Sunderland and Watford who have mounted an early push for the summit of the standings.

Corberan has a few dilemmas on the team selection front this Saturday. Albion’s defence is fairly nailed on at current but the attacking positions are fairly up in the air, especially following the returns of Jed Wallace and Grady Diangana off the bench against Leeds.

West Brom predicted lineup vs Stoke City

Set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, here’s the Albion XI we predict will take on Stoke at bet365 Stadium.

GK: Alex Palmer

Last season’s Championship Golden Glove winner is one of the first names on the team sheet, ahead of backup goalkeeper Joe Wildsmith.

RB: Darnell Furlong

Furlong was a consistent force last campaign and has started the new season comfortably. He’ll be leaned on a lot this season.

CB: Kyle Bartley

The experienced defender wore the armband in Jed Wallace’s absence, displaying his quality and leadership in abundance.

CB: Semi Ajayi

Ajayi performed well in the 0-0 draw against Leeds last weekend, helping the team preserve a clean sheet as part of a solid spine.

LB: Torbjorn Heggem

The Norwegian has been excellent since arriving at The Hawthorns and the best is probably still yet to come. Corberan should reward the new signing with regular starts for much of the term ahead.

CM: Jayson Molumby

Molumby is enjoying regular game time again after missing much of last campaign through injury. The Irishman continues starting for now but could make way for Uros Racic when he arrives from Sassuolo.

CM: Alex Mowatt

Mowatt was another to shine in the stalemate with Leeds as he dictated proceedings for much of the game. The midfielder acts as a key cog in Corberan’s system.

CAM: John Swift

Swift impressed in the first two outings and deserves to keep his place. The attacking midfielder is a real threat from set pieces.

RW: Jed Wallace

The skipper could return to the lineup this weekend after his cameo off the bench last time out. It’s a controversial call, perhaps, given the strong start to the season for Karlan Grant, who has proven many doubters wrong.

LW: Tom Fellows

The 21-year-old emerged as one of Albion’s biggest attacking threats last season and he remains just that. Fellows’ directness lifts fans off their seats.

ST: Josh Maja

Maja failed to score again last weekend but will still have confidence from his hat-trick away at QPR. It promises to be a big season for the striker.