Predicted West Brom line-up to face Stoke City in the Championship
West Brom will be aiming to get back to winning ways when they face Stoke City at the Bet365 stadium this Saturday. After suffering a heart-breaking defeat against Middlesbrough in the league, Darren Moore’s men were turned over in the FA Cup replay by Brighton on Wednesday night.
Hence, a positive reaction should be the agenda for the Baggies when they take the field this weekend. They are currently fourth in the league, seven points behind the top-two, having played a game less.
The Birmingham-based club will be up against a Stoke side who have lost their previous two league games and have been a lower-mid-table team at best this season. Nonetheless, it is not going to be easy for West Brom.
Team News
James Morrison and Matt Phillips are expected to feature for the first-team by the last week of this month. The trio of Jefferson Montero, Jacob Murphy and Stefan Johansen are all expected to feature in the squad this weekend.
Probable West Brom XI
Formation – 4-3-3
Manager – Darren Moore
Sam Johnstone (GK)
He is their first-choice keeper and has started all of their league games so far. Johnstone is expected to keep his place in the team.
Mason Holgate (RB)
The loanee from Everton did not feature in the FA Cup tie and should be fresh for this game.
Craig Dawson (CB)
He was on the bench for the cup game and is expected to slot straight back into central defence this Saturday.
Ahmed Hegazy (CB)
The Egyptian is their first-choice centre-back alongside Dawson, and the pair should take centre-stage on Saturday.
Kieran Gibbs (LB)
He was rested for the cup tie and is expected to start the league game.
Gareth Barry (CDM)
The veteran was expectedly given an off for the cup tie and is a certain starter in the league games.
Jake Livermore (RCM)
Back from suspension and started in midweek. Livermore is expected to be back in the starting line-up for the upcoming league game.
Sam Field (LCM)
The 20-year-old has done pretty well in the midfield whenever called upon by the manager. He would get another chance to impress the gaffer.
Jacob Murphy (LW)
West Brom are short on options in the wide attacking areas, hence, signing Murphy was a good move. We may see the loanee from Newcastle in action against Stoke.
Jay Rodriguez (ST)
He has been one of the in-form strikers in the division this season and is expected to lead the line.
Dwight Gayle (RW)
Gayle has been playing on the left wing in the past few games. With Murphy anticipated to start, we may see Gayle on the right wing this Saturday.