After yet another loss in the Premier League last weekend, West Bromwich Albion decided to give Alan Pardew the marching orders earlier this week after 8 consecutive losses. The Baggies are left stranded in the 20th place, 10 points away from safety but have just six games to cover the ground, starting with their game against Swansea City at the weekend.
Jamaican ace Darren Moore has been appointed as the caretaker manager at Hawthorns and his first test will be against Carlos Carvalhal’s side, who have lost just three of their last 16 games in all competitions. They are fresh from a loss at Old Trafford but will be confident against a struggling Baggies side this weekend. But West Brom have their top-flight status on the line and will look to come out all guns blazing, and playing at home, they will want to give Moore a winning start to his managerial career. They cannot afford to lose any more ground and here is the predicted lineup they might field for this tie:
Team News:
In early team news, Moore will be without James Morrison and Sam Field, both of who are ruled out for this weekend. Gareth Barry is on his way to recovery but might not be risked in this game while both Daniel Sturridge and Nacer Chadli will undergo late fitness tests before the game.
Expected lineup (3-5-2):
Defence:
Ben Foster remains the first choice shot-stopper at the club and Moore is expected to stick with him in goal, for this game. Jonny Evans put in a decent shift against Burnley and will start at the heart of the defence yet again while Ahmed Hegazy is expected to keep his place on the left side of the backline.
Craig Dawson did not have the best of games against the Clarets but should retain his place on the right side of Evans, completing West Brom’s back-3.
Midfield:
Claudio Yacob and Jake Livermore add the necessary strength and tenacity in the midfield for the Baggies. Both players will be under pressure against a well drilled Swansea City side this weekend.
Chris Brunt will play a slightly advanced role, on the left of Livermore adding creativity to the midfield. Kieran Gibbs will keep his place at left wing-back while Allan Nyom will start at right wing-back for West Brom.
Attack:
Jay Rodriguez needs to find some consistency and will have to be at his best for his side to take anything from this game. He will be accompanied by Salomon Rondon, who found the back of the net in the loss to Burnley.
Here is how they might line up:
