Predicted West Brom XI to face Birmingham City in the EFL Championship

West Brom were held to a 1-1 draw by Wigan Athletic at the DW Stadium in the EFL Championship on Wednesday night as the Baggies saw their winning streak come to an end against a battling home side. 

The Baggies stayed second in the standings as a result of that unimpressive draw in the midweek fixture, just behind current pace-setters Leeds United on goal difference, and Slaven Bilic’s side will be keen to get back to winning ways when they make the trip to Birmingham City on Saturday.

The Blues lost 2-0 to QPR on Wednesday and they could have their work cut out in getting a positive result against West Brom at the weekend. 

Team News

Kieran Gibbs is struggling with a hamstring issue and remains doubtful to play a part on Saturday after missing the mid-week game. Apart from that, Bilic doesn’t have any injuries to contend with.

 

Manager: Slaven Bilic

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Predicted XI

1. Sam Johnstone (GK)

The Preston-born shot-stopper has managed five clean-sheets in the Championship so far and Saturday’s fixture against Birmingham City could be a good opportunity for him to add to that tally.

2. Nathan Ferguson (RB)

The youngster looked out of sorts by his lofty standards in the 1-1 draw away at Wigan but he is expected to retain his spot in the eleven.

3. Kyle Bartley (CB)

The former Arsenal man has been a reliable presence at the heart of the defence for the Baggies this term and he is expected to start once again at the weekend.

4. Semi Ajayi (CB)

The Nigerian international has caught the eye with a string of consistent displays at the back and there is no reason why he shouldn’t start against the Blues.

5. Connor Townsend (LB)

The former Hull City man put in a decent shift away at Wigan and should retain his spot in the absence of Gibbs.

6. Romaine Sawyers (CDM)

The summer recruit once again showed off his excellent long-range passing in the midweek game and he is currently one of the first names on Bilic’s team sheet.

7. Jake Livermore (CDM)

The veteran has been an influential presence for the Baggies in that midfield pivot alongside Sawyers and he is expected to continue. 

8. Matheus Pereira (CAM)

The on-loan star has been quite exceptional for West Brom with his playmaking skills and he is expected to replace Krovinovic in the playing eleven after playing as a substitute against Wigan.

9. Matt Phillips (RW)

The former QPR man was a bit disappointing by his standards in the 1-1 midweek draw but he continues to be one of the team’s key attacking outlets.

10. Grady Diangana (LW)

The West Ham loanee has been instrumental in the Baggies’ success this season and he is likely to replace Kyle Edwards, who failed to grab his chance on Wednesday.

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11. Charlie Austin (ST)

The 30-year-old rescued his team with a fine free-kick against Wigan, registering his fourth goal in as many outings in the Championship.