Predicted West Brom XI to face Birmingham City: Who should start for the Baggies?

EFL Championship returns to action post the international break as promotion hopefuls West Bromwich Albion face off against Garry Monk’s Birmingham City at St. Andrew’s on Friday night.

The Baggies are currently sitting 9th on the table, with 10 points from 6 games (3W,1D,2L) and come into the game on the back of a 2-1 victory over Stoke City at home. Birmingham find themselves in a bit of a bother though, as they sit 20th in the table, failing to win a single game so far. And Darren Moore’s side must look to heap further misery on the Blues

Team News

Apart from Oliver Burke, who is doubtful to feature due to a knee injury, Moore has no other injury or suspension concerns heading into the game at St. Andrew’s.

Here’s how the Baggies might take the field against Birmingham this weekend.

Manager: Darren Moore

Formation: 3-4-1-2

Sam Johnstone (GK)

The 25-year-old summer signing is yet to keep a clean sheet for his new club. Should aim to do so against a goal-shy Birmingham, who have scored just four in six league games this term.

Craig Dawson (CB)

The experienced English defender should hold on to his place on the right side of the three-man backline against Monk’s men on Friday.

Ahmed Hegazi (CB)

The Egyptian international has been an ever-present force for West Brom this season and that is unlikely to change on their trip to St. Andrew’s.

Kyle Bartley (CB)

Another player who hasn’t missed a single minute of Championship football for the Baggies this season, summer signing Kyle Bartley must complete the three-man backline.

Matt Phillips (RWB)

The 27-year-old has been in fine nick this season, scoring three and setting up one more. Having withdrawn from the Scotland squad due to injury concerns, he should be fit and assume duties as the right-sided wing-back for West Brom.

Jake Livermore (CM)

The England international is a key cog in the engine room for Moore’s team, making him a definite starter for this game.

Chris Brunt (CM)

Partnering Livermore in the middle of the park should be veteran Northern Irishman Chris Brunt, who will be making his seventh start of the season.

Kieran Gibbs (LWB)

Former Arsenal man Kieran Gibbs must be the preferred option for the left wing-back slot. The Englishman has chipped in with one goal and three assists already this season.

Harvey Barnes (CAM)

The 20-year-old midfielder, on loan from Leicester City, has made a strong impression in the opening games. Barnes must continue in the attacking midfield slot on Friday.

Dwight Gayle (ST)

Another summer loan arrival, the English striker has made a huge impact for the Baggies and scored both their goals against Stoke in the last game. Will be a major threat going forward.

Read More: Go for it Moore – Signing this 54-goal midfield enforcer for free could do wonders for West Brom

Jay Rodriguez (ST)

Partnering Gayle at the top must be fellow Englishman, Jay Rodriguez. The former Southampton star has started the season strongly, bagging four goals in the first six matches and he must add more on Friday.