West Brom will begin their Championship campaign with a clash against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on Saturday.
The Baggies have overhauled their squad substantially and with Slaven Bilic at the helm of the Hawthorns, they will attempt to do what they couldn’t manage last season – achieve promotion.
Both teams will look to start on a winning note, and the Baggies will be up against a roaring crowd come Saturday, so they will have to keep their nerves.
West Brom team news
Ahmed Hegazi is unavailable after ankle surgery, while Jake Livermore and Hal Robson-Kanu will not be available as they are serving suspensions.
Kieran Gibbs picked up an injury in training ahead of his side’s final pre-season game, but the former Arsenal full-back is expected to return in time for the upcoming fixture.
West Brom have secured the signings of Kenneth Zohore, Romaine Sawyers, Darnell Furlong, Semi Ajayi and Filip Krovinovic, and all of them are available for selection.
Predicted West Brom lineup vs. Nottingham Forest (4-2-3-1)
Defence
Sam Johnstone is set to start between the sticks against Forest. The custodian fared well last season under the bar, and will be aiming to bag a clean sheet against Sabri Lamouchi’s side.
Kyle Bartley and Ajayi should start as the centre0backs. Although Bartley is a proven player in the Championship, it will be interesting to see how Ajayi slots in at centre-half.
Gibbs and Furlong could start as full-backs, and the two will be key as they will have to stretch play and get back in time to defend as well. The defence has to be steady this season to challenge for promotion.
Midfield
Krovinovic and Rekeem Harper are expected to feature in midfield. Their primary tasks will be to dictate the tempo of the game and protect the defence.
Sawyers has to create goal-scoring opportunities for his teammates, and make good use of the spaces around him if he gets the nod to start as the no. 10.
Attack
Zohore, who signed for the club a few weeks ago, is set to lead the line. Meanwhile, Matt Phillips and Oliver Burke are likely to start on the wings.
