West Bromwich Albion will lock horns with Blackburn Rovers at the Hawthorns in Matchday 6 of the 2019-20 Championship season.
After their 1-1 draw with Derby County last weekend, the Baggies have 9 points to their name from 5 league games and they will certainly go for a win against Rovers.
The visiting side might have been eliminated from the Carabao Cup following their 2-1 defeat by Sheffield United on Tuesday, they have been in a relatively decent form.
Slaven Bilic’s men cannot be complacent in their approach and they must start bagging wins if they are to make a serious challenge for promotion to the Premier League.
West Bromwich Albion Team News
Hal Robson-Kanu has returned to training and could feature for the first time since his side’s 1-1 draw with Millwall on 10th August in their Championship outing.
Ahmed Hegazi remains sidelined following his ankle surgery and although Kieran Gibbs picked up a groin injury against the Rams, he should be in contention to start.
Predicted West Bromwich Albion Lineup Vs. Blackburn Rovers (4-2-3-1)
Defence
Sam Johnstone is the undisputed first-choice custodian for the Throstles and he is seemingly likely to start under the bar this weekend.
Semi Ajayi and Kyle Bartley could start in the central defence as usual and they will be tasked with the responsibility of keeping Tony Mowbray’s attackers at bay.
In particular, Bartley has been solid at the back. The 28-year-old has made 1 tackle, 1.2 interceptions and 3.8 clearances per game on an average after 5 league games.
Nathan Ferguson has been impressive so far and could keep his place at right-back. On the opposite side, Gibbs could start as he is expected to recover from his injury.
Midfield
Jake Livermore and Romaine Sawyers could get the green light to start in the central midfield. Livermore’s physicality and tenacity have been crucial for Albion this season.
Further, Sawyers has the tendency to join the attackers. More often than not, he has shown a lot of intent and certainly has the calibre to unlock opposition’s defence.
Meanwhile, Filip Krovinovic should start as the central attacking midfielder. After 5 outings in the Championship, he averages 1.8 key passes per game.
Attack
Kenneth Zohore has scored a couple of goals, including his 88th-minute penalty against Derby County, after his move from Cardiff City earlier this summer and is set to start up.
On the right-wing, Matt Phillips has been a valuable asset and his attacking prowess would be crucial against Rovers. On the opposite flank, Kyle Edwards could get the nod to start.
Statistics Credits: WhoScored
