‘Struggling’ defender dropped as Corberan braves new signings - West Brom predicted XI v Middlesbrough - gallery

Charlie Haffenden
·2-min read
Has regained the number one spot between the sticks and it would come as a shock now if Josh Griffiths were to take Palmer’s spot away.
Has regained the number one spot between the sticks and it would come as a shock now if Josh Griffiths were to take Palmer’s spot away.

West Bromwich Albion return to The Hawthorns as they play host to Middlesbrough in the Sky Bet Championship on Saturday afternoon.

Carlos Corberan’s side have begun the 2023/24 term with four points out of nine, first losing to Blackburn Rovers before beating Swansea City and drawing at Leeds United.

Middlesbrough, meanwhile, are in 23rd after a woeful start. Losses to Millwall and Coventry City and a draw against Huddersfield Town mean just one point on the board so far.

Looked superb as he scored against Swansea but didn’t look overly comfortable against Leeds. Corberan will want a strong showing here.
Looked superb as he scored against Swansea but didn’t look overly comfortable against Leeds. Corberan will want a strong showing here.

Albion have been experimenting a little with a back three rather than a four of late and we reckon that might continue, though changes need to be made to offer more in an attacking sense.

With that in mind, here are the 11 players we think Corberan will start this weekend, as well as brief explanations for each inclusion.

Comes into the side to replace Cedric Kipre, who has picked up a fair bit of stick from supporters.
Comes into the side to replace Cedric Kipre, who has picked up a fair bit of stick from supporters.
Offers a calm, experienced head at the back and operates well in a three.
Offers a calm, experienced head at the back and operates well in a three.
Remains Albion’s best option on the right defensive flank. Offers a threat going forward, especially with long throws.
Remains Albion’s best option on the right defensive flank. Offers a threat going forward, especially with long throws.
Has surprisingly been really good as a left wing-back and should keep his spot in the team ahead of Conor Townsend.
Has surprisingly been really good as a left wing-back and should keep his spot in the team ahead of Conor Townsend.
Put on a well below-par performance at Elland Road but Corberan will be hoping that was just a one-off.
Put on a well below-par performance at Elland Road but Corberan will be hoping that was just a one-off.
Stays ahead of Alex Mowatt for the number eight role as one of the more energetic and creative Baggies midfielders.
Stays ahead of Alex Mowatt for the number eight role as one of the more energetic and creative Baggies midfielders.
Appears to be Corberan’s first choice on the right wing. Has the ability to cause issues with crosses into the box.
Appears to be Corberan’s first choice on the right wing. Has the ability to cause issues with crosses into the box.
Simply needs to start now he’s built up some fitness. John Swift is a top player but doesn’t have the pace and skill of Sarmiento at left wing.
Simply needs to start now he’s built up some fitness. John Swift is a top player but doesn’t have the pace and skill of Sarmiento at left wing.
Although Brandon Thomas-Asante scored at Leeds, it was a fortunate goal. With Albion so lacklustre in an attacking sense, why not give new signing Maja a go?
Although Brandon Thomas-Asante scored at Leeds, it was a fortunate goal. With Albion so lacklustre in an attacking sense, why not give new signing Maja a go?