West Bromwich Albion’s quest for promotion faces scrutiny this Saturday as they take on Ipswich Town, currently in second place in the Championship. Despite a point gap, West Brom focuses on securing a playoff position, currently just outside due to goal difference. The manager, Carlos Corberan, faces decisions in selecting the best lineup for the upcoming clash.
Looking at potential changes from the previous loss to Southampton, here is how Corberan might arrange his team:
1. **Goalkeeper (GK) – Alex Palmer:** Palmer, a consistent presence in all 16 Championship games, seems to be an undisputed choice for Corberan, having kept seven clean sheets this season.
2. **Right Back (RB) – Darnell Furlong:** Furlong, rarely missing a game, is expected to retain his place, offering versatility either in defense or a slightly more advanced right midfield role.
3. **Center Back (CB) – Kyle Bartley:** After scoring in the last game, Bartley’s role is crucial in handling Ipswich’s energetic attacking line, showcasing an average of 3.8 ball recoveries per 90 minutes this season.
4. **Center Back (CB) – Cedric Kipre:** Almost ever-present in the starting eleven, Kipre, with standout performances, should continue his solid defensive contributions.
5. **Left Back (LB) – Conor Townsend:** Despite a slightly below-par performance in the last game, Townsend is likely to retain his spot in the high-stakes match against Ipswich.
6. **Right Midfield (RM) – Grady Diangana:** The former West Ham player, known for his unpredictable style, brings attacking flair with two goals and three assists this season, making him a key figure in the lineup.
7. **Central Midfield (CM) – Okay Yokuşlu:** The defensively sound Turkish midfielder is expected to start, providing stability in the center of the park and allowing others the freedom to move forward.
8. **Central Midfield (CM) – Alex Mowatt:** A potential change might see Mowatt starting over Chalobah, as he demonstrated effectiveness in the previous game, attempting to push the team forward.
9. **Left Midfield (LM) – Matt Phillips:** Despite competition for his spot, Phillips, with three goals and two assists this season, is likely to continue as a reliable creator.
10. **Striker (ST) – Josh Maja:** The former Fulham loanee could be in contention for a starting spot, especially if Thomas-Asante’s recent goal drought opens the door for a change.
11. **Striker (ST) – Jed Wallace:** Deployed as a striker this season, Wallace’s creative flair and three assists make him a valuable partner up front, rounding off the predicted lineup.
Predicted West Brom XI vs Ipswich: GK – Palmer; RB – Furlong, CB – Bartley, CB – Kipre, LB – Townsend; RM – Diangana, CM – Yokuşlu, CM – Mowatt, LM – Phillips; ST – Maja, ST – Wallace.
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