West Bromwich Albion return to Championship action today as they host Rotherham United in a 3pm kick-off.
The Baggies are currently enjoying their best vein of form in some time, having won four games on the bounce already. A win today could propel them to within five points of the play-off positions, which is astounding considering where they were when Steve Bruce was sacked in October.
Their most recent win over Sunderland was particularly important for ensuring that they maintained their run despite the World Cup break, and they now face a Rotherham side who sit below them in the table.
The Millers have only won once in their last eight, but that did come while on their travels against high-flying Sheffield United.
Carlos Corberan will look to exercise caution amongst his squad as he deals with injuries and sickness.
With that in mind, here’s the West Brom XI that we’re predicting for today’s clash. Corberan is expected to make three changes from the side which won on Monday.
Alex Palmer will surely continue in goal, with the shot-stopper having conceded only once in the Baggies’ last four games.
He will sit behind an unchanged back four, with Kyle Bartley’s only just back in training and Semi Ajayi ruled out. The former has enjoyed a similarly rich vein of form but was struck down in their mid-season friendly with Elche.
Erik Pieters deputised brilliantly at the Stadium of Light, though, making five clearances, and he will continue alongside Dara O’Shea. They will be flanked by Conor Townsend and Darnell Furlong.
The substitute heroics of Tom Rogic will surely have earned him a start for today, as it was his goal which sparked their second-half turnaround last Monday. He will partner Okay Yokuslu, who will screen the defence to allow John Swift the freedom to get forward.
Jed Wallace provided a peach of a cross for their late winner at Sunderland, and he will continue on one wing. However, having missed out five days ago due to illness, Grady Diangana should return ahead of Matt Phillips if he is deemed fit enough, having also trained this week.
Despite being described as a “fantastic player” by Charlie Austin in the past, Phillips’ performances have not caught the eye this season, ranking a lowly 17th among West Brom’s squad via WhoScored.
These wide attackers will supplement the return of Monday night’s match-winning hero, with Daryl Dike seeking to make his first senior start since last January.
His goal and assist won them the match earlier in the week, and if he is deemed fit he will surely be trusted to lead the line today.
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