With just 20 points from 30 games, West Bromwich Albion are destined to drop to the Championship next season but Alan Pardew’s side still have some hope and will have to string some positive results together, starting this weekend. The Baggies travel to Vitality Stadium on Saturday to take on Bournemouth, who are fresh from a loss to Tottenham Hotspur at home.
The Cherries have been inconsistent this season but are 12th in the league and playing at home, they will fancy their chance of picking up a win. West Brom are seven points away from safety and with just 8 games of the season left, cannot afford to drop another uninspiring performance.
The confidence levels will be low in the camp but Pardew has to stay positive and here is the predicted lineup he might field for this tie:
West Brom Team News
James Morrison won’t be available for the tie. Jonny Evans is back to full fitness and is expected to start but Daniel Sturridge and Gareth Barry are still doubtful. Nacer Chadli is back in training but not fit enough to make it to the squad for this clash.
West Brom expected lineup (4-3-3)
Defence
Pardew has stuck with Ben Foster in goal for most of his stint with West Brom and should start him yet again under the bar this weekend. With Evans back in action, the manager can field his first choice centre-back partnership of Jonny Evans and Ahmed Hegazi, something they have missed in the last couple of games.
Kieran Gibbs has been a regular presence in the left-back role and is expected to retain his place in the side for this weekend. With Evans back at centre-back, Craig Dawson can be pushed into his more natural role at right-back.
Midfield
Though not at his best this season, Jake Livermore has been a regular in the first team for West Brom this season and is expected to keep his place in the side as the deepest of the midfielders. Grzegorz Krychowiak has been one of the most consistent players for West Brom and should start as a part of the midfield with Chris Brunt, both of who will play in slightly advanced roles.
Attack
Solomon Rondon got the only West Brom goal against Leicester last weekend and should continue to lead the line for his side. Oliver Burke has turned into a first-team regular recently and could start on the right side of the attack with Matt Phillips retaining his place on the left flank.
Here is how they might line up:
