Back in the top-flight this season, West Bromwich Albion start their Premier League campaign this week when they welcome Brendan Rodgers’ Leicester City to Hawthorns on Sunday. The Baggies were the most consistent side in the Championship last season and Slaven Bilic will hope that his side can carry their form into the new season.
They face an injury-hit Leicester City side that has the potential to beat the best teams in the league on their day. The Foxes, like the Baggies, drew each of their friendly games before the start of this season and this game could be an intriguing watch, even for the neutral. Bilic has a few new additions to the squad he can choose from for this game and here is the predicted lineup he might field for this tie.
Team News
The Baggies will be without the likes of Kenneth Zohore and Connor Townsend, both of who are nursing injuries. New signings Grady Diangana and Cedric Kipre only joined the squad earlier in the week but could push for a place in the first team.
Predicted West Brom Lineup vs Leicester City (4-2-3-1)
Defence:
Sam Johnstone remains the first choice shot-stopper for Bilic and should keep his place in the West Brom lineup this weekend. Kyle Bartley and Semi Ajayi were decent in the pre-season game against The Seagulls and could start this game as well, at the heart of the defence for the Baggies.
Up against the terrific Jamie Vardy, they will be in for one of their biggest tests of the new season.
Darnell Furlong got a few minutes under his belt at the Amex last weekend at right-back and could be chosen over Dara O’Shea, who is just back from international duty.
Townsend’s absence should see Kieran Gibbs deputize at left-back for this opening game in the West Brom lineup.
Midfield
Bilic trusted Jake Livermore and Romaine Sawyers for the two midfield roles for most of last season. He stuck with the duo in the friendly against Brighton as well and has no real reason to change the trusted combination.
The duo will be up against a fluid Leicester City midfield and need to be on top of their game to frustrate the visitors.
Bilic tried a 4-3-3 in pre-season and a similar formation could see Rakeem Harper join the duo in a midfield three.
Attack
Matheus Pereira was probably West Brom’s best player on their trip to Amex for the friendly. He, in a no.10 role, could be the biggest danger for the Foxes in this game.
Matt Phillips came on at half time against Brighton and added some creativity. He should make the West Brom lineup this weekend, on his preferred right flank.
Grady Diangana joined Bilic’s squad earlier this week and having spent the whole season with the squad last year, he should be ready to start for West Brom this weekend.
He will play on the left flank while Hal Robson-Kanu, back from international duty, is expected to lead the attack in this game.
The likes of Charlie Austin and Callum Robinson will hope to make a difference, coming off the bench.
Here is how they might lineup:
