West Bromwich Albion manager Carlos Corberan has confirmed that the squad will be split on Saturday, with half the players featuring in the pre-season friendly against Notts County while the other half remain at the training ground for a separate session.
Pre-season plans
The Baggies are continuing their preparations for the upcoming Championship season, and Corberan is using the split-squad approach to maximize game time and fitness levels. The match against Notts County, which kicks off at 3pm at the Hawthorns, will see a mix of first-team regulars and younger players given minutes.
According to Corberan, the decision was made to ensure that every player gets adequate playing time and physical work. "We have a large squad and we need to give minutes to everyone," he said. "It's important that all players are ready for the start of the season."
Fitness and integration
The half of the squad not involved in the match will undergo a high-intensity training session at the club's training ground. This will include conditioning work and tactical drills. Corberan emphasized that the split is not about forming a first-choice XI but about building overall squad fitness and integration.
"We have to manage the load carefully," the head coach added. "Some players have played more minutes in previous friendlies, so this is a chance to balance things out."
Notts County test
Notts County, who recently won promotion to League Two, will provide a stern test for the Baggies. The match is part of a series of pre-season fixtures designed to sharpen the team's competitive edge. West Brom have already played friendlies against lower-league opposition and will face further tests before the Championship campaign begins.
The club has not yet confirmed the exact lineup, but it is expected that several senior players will be involved. Corberan hinted that some of the club's new signings might also feature, as they continue to adapt to the team's playing style.
Looking ahead
West Brom's Championship season starts in just over two weeks, and Corberan is keen to have his squad fully prepared. The split-squad approach is a common tactic used by managers during pre-season to ensure all players are match-fit and ready for the demands of the league.
Fans attending the match at the Hawthorns can expect to see a competitive performance, with the Baggies aiming to build momentum ahead of the new season. The club has also confirmed that the match will be streamed live on their official website for supporters unable to attend.
