Krystian Bielik decision made as ‘creative whizz’ gets nod - West Brom predicted XI vs Wrexham

West Bromwich Albion are on the road for the first time this season as they take on Wrexham away from home Saturday afternoon.

Ryan Mason will be looking for a response from his players this weekend after a disappointing Carabao Cup exit to Derby County on Tuesday. Albion played well for the most part and led through Aune Heggebo’s first goal for the club but late complacency crept in, allowing the Rams to equalise and win on penalties.

The Baggies will be keen to make it six points out of six in the league but it won’t be easy, as the Red Dragons have invested well and The Racecourse will be bouncing for its first home second-tier fixture in nearly 50 years. Phil Parkinson’s side will be desperate to get off to a strong start on home soil, especially after a late capitulation away at Southampton last weekend.

Much of the starting XI picks itself but there are a few positions that could give Mason a bit of a selection headache. Should Krystian Bielik start right away after Torbjorn Heggem’s exit for Bologna? Who is better on the left out of Karlan Grant and Mikey Johnston? Is it time for George Campbell?

West Brom predicted lineup vs Wrexham

With those dilemmas considered, here’s the XI we reckon Mason will name at The Racecourse.

GK - Josh Griffiths: The young goalkeeper has done well when called upon and appears to have moved firmly ahead of Joe Wildsmith in the goalkeeping pecking order, at least in the Championship.

RB - Darnell Furlong: Back after serving his one-match suspension in the cup, Furlong is effectively guaranteed to start at right-back. There’s a chance new signing Bielik could go there eventually, but not right now.

CB - Nat Phillips: West Brom’s new £3 million signing was outstanding against Blackburn last week. The former Liverpool man would probably head a brick for this time. His bravery is immense.

CB: George Campbell: After impressing midweek, Campbell should get the nod following Heggem’s transfer away. Bielik hasn’t played much for Birmingham recently and might need to be eased in gradually.

LB - Callum Styles: Albeit not the most consistent performer, Styles is usually the best option at left-back. The Hungary international likes to invert inside and advance up the field where possible.

CM - Jayson Molumby: Hard working and gritty, Molumby is the kind of midfielder Mason appreciates. The Irishman can expect to be a regular starter this term.

CM - Alex Mowatt: Still on plenty of set pieces and one of the better passers in the squad, Mowatt is the best 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 got to be one of the first names on the team sheet.

RW - Tom Fellows: Albion’s star academy product was a creative whizz last campaign. This could be one of Fellows’ last appearances for the Baggies, however, as there’s a lot of interest from the Premier League.

LW - Mikey Johnston: It’s a bit of a toss of a coin but Johnston, having looked lively against Derby, should probably start. Grant wasn’t at his best against Blackburn and Johnston has more flair.

ST - Aune Heggebø: An exciting new addition up top, Heggebø scored his first goal on Tuesday and he’s likely to continue to start. Josh Maja isn’t ready to start yet and Daryl Dike is a way off still.