Former Tottenham Assistants Clash in Pivotal Midlands Derby
The Hawthorns is set for a compelling Championship showdown this weekend as West Bromwich Albion prepare to host Birmingham City in a high-stakes Midlands derby. The dugout narrative is particularly intriguing, pitting two former Tottenham Hotspur coaches, Ryan Mason and Chris Davies, against each other. Both men served as assistants to Ange Postecoglou, adding a layer of personal rivalry to the already fierce local contest.
Baggies Seeking Redemption After Coventry Collapse
West Brom enter this fixture in a precarious 17th position in the league table, following a dramatic and disappointing 3-2 loss to Coventry City. The Baggies had raced into a two-goal lead, only to see their advantage slip away in an agonising second-half collapse. The defeat was compounded by the sending off of Jayson Molumby, who will now serve a suspension. Despite the recent dismal run of form, the team is still only four points adrift of the play-off places and nine behind the automatic promotion spots, meaning a positive result is crucial for Mason's ambitions this season.
West Brom's Predicted Starting Eleven
With Molumby suspended and lessons to be learned from the Coventry game, Mason is predicted to make three alterations to his starting lineup.
Goalkeeper and Defence
In goal, Josh Griffiths is expected to continue as the undisputed number one. The goalkeeper, who was previously on loan at Bristol Rovers, has started every match this season and has already kept four clean sheets.
A reshuffle is anticipated in defence. Alfie Gilchrist, the 21-year-old full-back who was on the bench against Coventry, is tipped for a recall at right-back. The ever-present Nat Phillips is set to continue in central defence, though he will need to be cautious as he is just one yellow card away from a suspension. He is predicted to be partnered by George Campbell, who returns to his natural centre-back role, with Chris Mepham the man likely to make way. The experienced Charlie Taylor is set to start at left-back, where he will have the key task of containing Birmingham's Patrick Roberts.
Midfield and Attack
In midfield, the suspended Molumby is almost certain to be replaced by Ousmane Diakité. The Mali international will be tasked with helping West Brom win the midfield battle against a possession-oriented Birmingham side. He will line up alongside skipper Alex Mowatt, a player who rarely misses a minute for the Baggies and will be vital to their chances.
Further forward, Isaac Price is predicted to operate in the advanced midfield role. He will be looking to score for the first time in five matches, having provided a crucial assist in the game against Oxford United. On the right wing, Michael Johnston, the team's chief creator, is expected to start. On the opposite flank, a change is on the cards as Samuel Iling-Junior, on loan from Aston Villa, is tipped to come in for Karlan Grant.
Leading the line will be summer signing Aune Heggebø. The striker showed positive signs with a brace against Coventry City, taking his tally for the season to four goals, and will be hoping that form continues into this derby fixture.
