West Bromwich Albion midfielder James Morrison has been handed his first full start of the season in the Championship match against Sheffield United, as the Baggies look to bounce back from a disappointing run of form.
The 35-year-old Scotland international replaces Matt Phillips, who is sidelined with a hamstring injury, in the only change to the starting XI from the side that lost 1-0 to Bristol City last weekend.
Morrison's Return to the Starting Lineup
Morrison, who has been plagued by injuries in recent years, has made just two substitute appearances this campaign, but his experience and composure on the ball have convinced head coach Slaven Bilic to hand him a starting berth.
The former Middlesbrough and Cardiff City player, who has been with West Brom since 2007, will operate in a central midfield role alongside Jake Livermore and Romaine Sawyers, with Grady Diangana and Matheus Pereira providing the creative spark on the wings.
Bilic's Selection Dilemma
Bilic had a selection headache ahead of the game, with several players returning from international duty, but he has opted for continuity by keeping the same defensive unit that has conceded just 12 goals in the league so far.
Speaking to the club's official website, Bilic said: "James has been training well and he deserves his chance. He has a lot of quality and experience, and he can help us control the game. We have a lot of games coming up, so it's important to rotate and keep the squad fresh."
Impact on the Team's Dynamics
Morrison's inclusion is expected to add more creativity and leadership to the midfield, which has been criticized for lacking a cutting edge in recent matches. The Baggies have scored just 18 goals in 16 league games, a statistic that Bilic is keen to improve.
The game against Sheffield United at The Hawthorns is a crucial one for West Brom, who currently sit 11th in the table, six points adrift of the play-off places. A win would lift them to within three points of the top six, while a defeat could see them slip further down the standings.
Kick-off is at 3pm GMT, and the match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. West Brom will be hoping that Morrison's experience can help them secure a much-needed victory and get their season back on track.
