West Bromwich Albion have failed to win their last two games, and as a result, Leeds United have taken the top spot in the Championship. The Baggies though still have a six-point lead over third-placed Fulham. Slaven Bilic’s men will host Birmingham City at the Hawthorns next.
The two teams have already played an entertaining encounter earlier this season as West Brom managed a 3-2 win. Birmingham City are winless in their last five league games, and they have won just once in their previous eight league visits to West Brom. Bilic will look to make sure that there are no more hiccups in their promotion run after they lost some ground recently.
Team News: Grady Diangana has returned to training after missing close to two months of action with a hamstring injury. It remains to be seen whether he would be fit enough to feature in the matchday squad. Egyptian international Ahmed Hegazi is set to miss out. Kenneth Zohore is also doubtful after he missed the Swansea clash.
4-2-3-1 West Brom Predicted Lineup Vs Birmingham City
Formation (4-2-3-1)
Defence
English goalkeeper Sam Johnstone is a nailed-on starter in goal for the Baggies. Conor Townsend has been a regular at left-back off late, and he is set to start again in his usual position. Former Arsenal defender Kyle Bartley is expected to feature in the heart of the defence. Nigerian international Semi Ajayi will be his likely partner in the centre back role. Young Irishman Dara O’Shea has established himself at right-back in the last few ties, and he will complete the back four for Bilic.
Midfield
Captain Jake Livermore will be in his usual defensive midfield role. He will look to keep things tight and form a base of attack for his side. Summer signing Romaine Sawyers will be expected to partner him in the middle.
Kamil Grosicki could start over Callum Robinson on the left-wing. Croatian ace Filip Krovinovic will likely don the hat of the attacking midfielder, and his job would be to open up the opposition’s defence. Bilic would like to see more of a goal threat from him as he has bagged just two goals in the Championship this season. Matheus Pereira has been the standout player for the Baggies, and he provides that telling moment and ‘x-factor’ in the side. He is likely to feature as the right-winger.
Attack
Wales international Hal Robson-Kanu will be expected to lead the line for the promotion chasers.
