Having accumulated just 20 points from 31 league games this season, West Bromwich Albion are in real danger of relegation. Alan Pardew’s men have lost each of their last eight games and are rock bottom of the points table, 10 points away from safety. They have just seven games to save their season, starting with the game against Burnley this weekend.
After the international break, the Baggies welcome Sean Dyche’s Burnley, who are fresh from back to back victories against Everton and West Ham. The Clarets will believe that they can take more than just a point from this game but West Brom need to start collecting points if they are to stand a chance of saving their top-flight status.
Pardew is expected to field his strongest XI, in search of his first points in almost two months and here is the predicted lineup he might play for this clash:
Team News:
The Baggies have no new injury issues coming back from the international break. While Daniel Sturridge is expected to be back in training next week, Gareth Barry and James Morrison are all but ruled out for this weekend. Nacer Chadli is also returning to full fitness but will not play any role in this game.
Expected lineup (3-5-2):
Defence:
Though struggling this season, Ben Foster has been the first choice for the Baggies and should continue between the sticks this weekend. Jonny Evans will have to play a huge role in this game starting at the heart of the backline while Ahmed Hegazy, who has been decent, should start to his right.
Craig Dawson has been ever present in the backline for West Brom and should start on the right side of the back-3 against the Clarets.
Midfield:
Grzegorz Krychowiak was an unused substitute in the game against Bournemouth but should be back in action this weekend. He will start on the right side of the midfield while Chris Brunt will keep his place on the left for this game.
Jake Livermore is crucial to Pardew’s plans and he is expected to take his place at the heart of the midfield. Kieran Gibbs has been more effective as a wing-back and should start on the left flank while Alan Nyom will keep his place on the right flank as a wing-back.
Attack:
Jay Rodriguez scored in the 1-2 loss to Bournemouth and should lead the attack for West Brom alongside Salomon Rondon, who has been West Brom’s best striker this season.
Here is how they might line up:
