Following a topsy-turvy 2-3 win over Birmingham City at St Andrew’s last weekend, West Bromwich Albion will host Brentford at the Hawthorns tomorrow in their next Championship fixture.
The Baggies are at the top of the league standings and have fared splendidly under the tutelage of Slaven Bilic. They have a two-point lead over Leeds United and will attempt to keep the gap intact.
However, the Bees are no pushovers as they are placed fourth in the league table and are genuine challengers for promotion. Therefore, the upcoming fixture promises to be an entertaining one.
West Bromwich Albion Team News
Kieran Gibbs suffered an injury while playing against Swansea City earlier this month and will return to training next week.
Albion will also be without the services of Grady Diangana for the next three games as he is out with a back injury.
Predicted West Brom Lineup vs Brentford (4-2-3-1)
Defence
Sam Johnstone should start in goal as usual for the Throstles. The 26-year-old custodian has been in decent form between the sticks and will look to bag a clean sheet in the upcoming fixture.
Conor Townsend could get an extended run in the left-back slot in the absence of Gibbs and he will strive to make the most of the opportunity. Meanwhile, Nathan Ferguson is seemingly likely to get the nod to start as the right-back in the West Brom lineup.
In central defence, Kyle Bartley and Semi Ajayi have carved a formidable partnership. Against the Blues, the former won 6 aerial duels and made 4 tackles and was undoubtedly one of the best players on the pitch.
Midfield
Jake Livermore and Romaine Sawyers have been irreplaceable in the central midfield. Bilic has relied heavily on them so far this season and both of them have been up for the task in every game.
After 21 league appearances, Livermore has mustered 2 goals and 3 assists. Besides, he has also churned 1.9 tackles and 1 clearance per game on average. Further, Sawyers also averages 1.1 tackles per game after 21 rounds.
Matheus Pereira could get the green light to start as the central attacking midfielder. With 5 goals and 10 assists to his name already, the Brazilian has certainly dazzled and could be one of the first names in the West Brom lineup.
Attack
Hal Robson-Kanu could keep his place up front as Bilic has been inclined to use Charlie Austin off the bench.
Kyle Edwards and Matt Phillips are expected to start on the wings, with the former likely to come in for Diangana.
WEST BROM LINEUP
Statistics Credits: WhoScored