West Bromwich Albion take on Reading at the Hawthorns tonight in the latest round of Championship matches. The Baggies are currently one of the few unbeaten teams in the league this season and will look to keep that run going as host the Royals.
Albion won 2-1 last time out at Luton Town whilst Reading recorded a surprise 3-0 victory over Cardiff City. Despite two straight defeats, Reading bounced back on Saturday with a win and will no doubt provide a stern test for the Baggies.
Slaven Bilic has already confirmed he will be looking to make some changes with three games in the space of a week and with a game against Derby County on the horizon at Saturday lunchtime.
Here we take a look at our predicted starting line-up for West Brom this evening:
SAM JOHNSTONE
The number one choice goalkeeper should retain his place. Some supporters criticised him for Luton’s goal on Saturday but there should be no blame at this door in this instance.
NATHAN FERGUSON
With contract talks ongoing with the young defender, Ferguson has become a pivotal cog in the West Brom backline. Should definitely start once more.
KYLE BARTLEY
Had one of his better performances at Kenilworth Road and adds much needed experience to the defence.
SEMI AJAYI
Occasionally makes questionable decisions and can be caught out but he is still young and learning. Making the step up from Rotherham to West Brom will take time but deserving of his place.
KIERAN GIBBS
Bilic openly said he was disappointed that Gibbs didn’t cut out the cross which led to Luton’s goal but mistakes from the former England international are extremely few and far between, still West Brom’s best defender.
GRADY DIANGANA
The loanee was excellent when he was introduced at Luton and deserves to replace Kyle Edwards for this game. Edwards has looked bright but it might be wise to give him a rest and surely Diangana can’t be dropped after his two goals.
JAKE LIVERMORE
The former England international was excellent against Luton and provided the base in which to allow the other midfielders to go and express themselves. His work often goes unnoticed.
ROMAINE SAWYERS
Has been nothing short of fantastic since his move from Brentford in the summer. Had a passing accuracy of 98.4% against Luton meaning he misplaced just one pass in the entire game. Undroppable.
MATT PHILLIPS
Very close call between Phillips and Pereira, with the former looking lacklustre on Saturday. Bilic may choose to go with the Brazilian to add a little more trickery and energy, but I think Phillips may get the nod based on his experience.
FILIP KROVINOVIC
The little Croatian wasn’t quite as influential against Luton but still has bags of ability. Also provided the shot which deflected into the path of Diangana for him to get his second goal.
CHARLIE AUSTIN
With him having had around an hour against Millwall in the Carabao Cup and a cameo against Luton, Bilic may opt to bring in Austin from the start for the first time in the league allowing Zohore to be rested for Derby.
