West Brom will look to reinstate their promising Championship form after the January transfer window, with them looking to make a play-off charge as the second half of the season gets underway. After an FA Cup defeat to Bristol City last weekend, the Baggies are aiming to get back to their best when they take on Coventry City on Friday night.
Deadline day was a busy one for Albion, with them making two additions in the final hours of the January transfer window. Nathaniel Chalobah joined on an 18-month permanent deal from Fulham, meanwhile, Marc Albrighton signed on loan for the rest of the season from Leicester City.
Chalobah provides good cover in midfield whilst Albrighton should be a handy addition following Matt Phillips’ injury which is set to keep him out until the end of the season. They also had two leave on deadline day, with Martin Kelly leaving for Wigan Athletic on a temporary spell and Kenneth Zohore having his contract terminated before moving to Danish side Odense Boldklub later that evening.
With that in mind, here is what we think is Albion’s strongest starting XI and substitutes’ bench once all players are fit and available:
1. GK: Alex Palmer
A product of Albion’s academy, Palmer has proved himself to be more than worthy of the first-choice goalkeeper spot
2. RB: Darnell Furlong
The full-back has not had much of a challenge for his place but has displayed good form recently so he should stay there
3. CB: Erik Pieters
Typically a left-back, the former Burnley and Stoke City man has excelled in the middle of defence
4. CB: Dara O’Shea
The Irishman appears to have impressed Corberan since he took charge, with O’Shea being given the captain’s armband in the majority of games