Carlos Corberan axes ‘underwhelming’ midfielder as Karlan Grant dilemma arises - West Brom predicted XI vs Millwall

Carlos Corberan will be looking for a response from his West Brom players against Millwall following two successive defeats in the space of four days.

The Baggies were edged out 3-2 away at Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday before being outsmarted at The Hawthorns by Middlesbrough, who ran out 1-0 victors. West Brom had won five of their six matches prior to the two defeats - so the momentum has taken a dark turn.

A win is all it takes for the tide to turn back in the right direction, though, and this is a decent time to take on Millwall. The Lions, defeated by 24th-placed Cardiff City midweek, have won just two of their eight games so far. Goals haven’t been an issue as Millwall have scored 12 times, but the 11 conceded makes grim reading.

West Brom, at The Hawthorns once again, will be determined to get back to winning ways, rubbing salt in Millwall’s wounds. Every Championship game is tough and unpredictable, however, so it’s crucial Corberan gets his team selection right.

With a few selection dilemmas considered following several underwhelming performances in the last two games, here’s the lineup we predict will be named this Saturday.

West Brom predicted XI vs Millwall

GK - Alex Palmer: The goalkeeper has started the new season strongly, picking up where he left off last term. Palmer four clean sheets so far in 2024/25.

RB - Darnell Furlong: Locked in at right-back, Furlong is one of the first names on the team sheet. Nobody is challenging him for this slot at the moment.

CB - Semi Ajayi: The Nigerian has started every league game so far. Mason Holgate will be knocking on the door at some stage but it’s Ajayi’s place to lose.

CB - Kyle Bartley: A provider of experience and leadership in defence, Bartley has been donning the captain’s armband when Jed Wallace hasn’t been in the team.

LB - Torbjorn Heggem: Summer signing Heggem had a shaky game against Middlesbrough but he’s been superb otherwise, playing in an auxiliary role.

CM - Uros Racic: The Sassuolo loanee seems to have nicked Jayson Molumby’s spot away for good. He’s yet to show his best but there have been good signs.

CM - Alex Mowatt: One of Corberan’s personal favourites, Mowatt has been the preferred choice in the number eight role for several months.

CAM - John Swift: The playmaker struggled last time out but he’s Albion’s best option in the number 10 role. Corberan will want a response from Swift.

RW - Tom Fellows: Albion’s wizzkid was benched against Boro but deserves to return as he so often lights up matches. Wallace, meanwhile, was underwhelming.

LW - Karlan Grant: Given a fresh start, Grant has impressed recently. He’s only contributed to one goal, though, so Corberan may be tempted to bring in Mikey Johnston soon.

ST - Josh Maja: With seven goals in eight appearances, Maja has started the new campaign in outstanding fashion. He’s now a guaranteed starter when fit.