West Bromwich Albion are back in action following their defeat earlier in the week, hoping to avenge that loss as they travel to Bristol City in the Championship.
Having struggled to break down Coventry City, a late penalty separated the sides and offered an abrupt end to the five-match win streak Carlos Corberan had accumulated.
However, this loss could be beneficial as it now allows him to make any changes he sees fit without the worry of losing morale. As such, ruthlessness in the selection process could now be implemented.
With that in mind, here’s the West Brom XI we’re predicting for today’s trip to Bristol (4-2-3-1)…
(GK) Palmer; (RB) Furlong, (CB) O’Shea, (CB) Ajayi, (LB) Townsend; (CM) Yokuslu, (CM) Rogic, (LW) Diangana, (CAM) Swift, (RW )Wallace; (ST) Dike.
From their last game against the Sky Blues, Corberan is expected to make three important changes to the core of his side.
Alex Palmer will remain in goal, behind a back four that can finally remove Erik Pieters from the starting side.
The natural left-back had deputised well in the absence of Kyle Bartley and Semi Ajayi, but with the latter returning from a shoulder injury, he could well regain his spot alongside Dara O’Shea.
If the 29-year-old was fit enough for the bench on Wednesday, he should be capable of beginning this match, hoping to inject his “powerful” qualities – as dubbed by Kevin Phillips – into this all-important Boxing Day clash.
They will be flanked by Darnell Furlong and Conor Townsend.
The midfield trio is unlikely to be changed despite some poor performers from midweek, as Tom Rogic and Okay Yokuslu screen the back four to allow John Swift to thrive.
With Jed Wallace finally hitting some form – registering three goal involvements in as many games – he is unlikely to leave the lineup, but Grady Diangana will be handed his first start since late October.
The main change that is likely to excite fans is to see Brandon Thomas-Asante drop out for Daryl Dike, who has been slowly regaining fitness since his triumphant return to Championship action.
Scoring and assisting in their turnaround win at Sunderland, the return of the American provides them with a pedigree seldom seen up to this season at the Hawthorns.
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