Under-pressure West Bromwich Albion manager Ryan Mason faces fresh selection problems as his struggling side prepare to host local rivals Birmingham City in a crucial Championship encounter at The Hawthorns on Wednesday evening.
Form Contrast Couldn't Be Sharper
The two Midlands clubs approach this derby clash in dramatically different form. Birmingham City arrive riding a wave of confidence after three consecutive home victories where they scored four goals in each match. Their supporters are beginning to dream about what might be possible if they can translate even some of that formidable home form to their travels.
While Blues boast the second-best home record in the Championship, their away performances have been concerning, with five defeats in eight matches away from St Andrew's. Despite this inconsistency, Tony Mowbray's men are knocking on the door of the play-off positions, adding extra significance to this local showdown.
Albion's Worrying Slide
West Bromwich Albion find themselves in a much more precarious position, sitting 17th in the table after a disappointing run of results. Although they're only three points behind Birmingham in the congested Championship standings, the mood around The Hawthorns has turned sour following five defeats in their last eight games.
The pressure intensified dramatically on Saturday when Mason's men surrendered a two-goal lead to lose 3-2 at Coventry City in a devastating collapse that has left supporters questioning the manager's tactics and decision-making.
Selection Headaches Mount for Mason
Compounding Mason's problems is a growing absentee list that will force changes to his starting lineup. Midfielder Jayson Molumby will miss the derby through suspension after receiving two yellow cards during the defeat at Coventry.
The Irish international had been making his first start in seven matches but found himself booked in the first half before picking up a second caution early in the second period. Albion subsequently conceded twice in the following twelve minutes, though Mason defended his decision not to substitute the cautioned player at half-time.
"I think anyone on a yellow, when they're experienced, you can't always take that responsibility away from them," Mason stated. "It was a mistake that gave the referee the decision to make and we need to learn from it and avoid it happening again."
Further depleting Mason's options, Jed Wallace remains unavailable, having not featured since October 4th. The manager provided a discouraging update last week, revealing: "He's not training with a group yet. So I think when you have that number of weeks out, it's going to take a bit of time to build him back up."
There was at least one positive fitness note as George Campbell returned from injury at Coventry and completed the full 90 minutes, offering Mason at least one additional option as he attempts to patch together a competitive lineup.
With Birmingham's attacking prowess coming to town and Albion's defensive vulnerabilities exposed in recent weeks, Mason faces one of his most challenging team selections yet as he attempts to stop the rot and win over increasingly sceptical supporters.
