West Bromwich Albion are a team in freefall and will be praying that they can grind out a result when Luton Town visit the Hawthorns today.
Steve Bruce will certainly be feeling the pressure, with his side having lost three of their last four and having not won in eight.
The Baggies’ aspirations of a playoff push seem the least of their concerns, as they sit two points adrift in the relegation zone.
Meanwhile, Luton are unbeaten in their last four and have seemed a potent attacking threat in recent weeks.
The games get no easier for Bruce, and after their midweek loss, he will be looking to shake things up somewhat.
With that in mind, here’s the West Brom XI we’re predicting for today’s match…
We could see as many as four changes from the side that were beaten by Preston North End on Wednesday.
Alex Palmer was understandably brought in for their game against the Lilywhites, as David Button had disappointed in between the sticks. The 26-year-old will likely now be given a run of games to allow him to prove why he should be the club’s number one.
We also expect an unchanged back four, as they did only lose narrowly last time out.
The freshness that Bruce will look to implement will run through the spine of the team, with a completely new look midfield partnership.
Jake Livermore will be recalled to play alongside Tom Rogic, who only made his full debut for the club just last weekend against Swansea City.
John Swift will sit just in front of them but will also be wary that his performances must improve or else he will likely be dropped.
Bruce might make an example out of Grady Diangana, who was expected to be their main man this season. His form has been non-existent, and he could suffer from it by sitting on the bench today. He will be replaced by the returning Matt Phillips.
Jed Wallace is on similarly thin ice but will likely retain his spot.
That leaves the striker spot, which has exchanged hands multiple times this season already. Karlan Grant – who was once dubbed “ruthless” in front of goal by his former boss Danny Cowley – may once again be dropped for Brandon Thomas-Asante, as the 25-year-old’s toothless display at Deepdale was arguably his worst this season.
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