Under-pressure West Bromwich Albion manager Ryan Mason is poised to make three alterations to his starting eleven for the crucial Boxing Day Championship fixture against Bristol City at The Hawthorns.
Baggies Seeking Festive Turnaround
The match represents a critical opportunity for Mason's side to halt a worrying slide in form. The Baggies' dismal away record continued with a 1-0 defeat to Hull City last weekend, a result that leaves them languishing in 16th place in the table at Christmas, a full seven points adrift of the play-off positions.
In contrast, their opponents Bristol City arrive in the West Midlands sitting just two points outside the top six, adding significant spice to this festive encounter. Historical form offers some solace for the home support, however, as West Brom have won seven of their last eight league meetings with the Robins on home soil.
Predicted Starting Eleven and Tactical Shifts
The anticipated line-up shows a significant reshuffle, particularly in defence and attack. In goal, Joe Wildsmith is expected to retain his place after recently displacing Josh Griffiths.
The back four is set for a major shake-up. USA international George Campbell should start at right-back, with Alfie Gilchrist suspended after his controversial red card. Club captain Nat Phillips will marshal the defence alongside Wales' Chris Mepham, who replaced Krystian Bielik during the Hull loss. Callum Styles is tipped to revert from midfield to the left-back role.
In midfield, Republic of Ireland international Jayson Molumby could return to partner Mali's Ousmane Diakité, with Northern Ireland's Isaac Price operating in an advanced role. The attack sees notable changes, with Samuel Iling-Junior replacing Karlan Grant on the left to add pace, while the creative Mikey Johnston features on the right. Leading the line will be striker Aune Heggebo, who has hit eight goals this season and kept Josh Maja out of the side.
High Stakes at The Hawthorns
For Ryan Mason, this fixture is pivotal. With pressure mounting after a poor first half of the campaign, a victory against a direct rival is essential to rebuild momentum and rekindle faint promotion hopes. The team's performance, and particularly the effectiveness of the new-look defence, will be under intense scrutiny from a home crowd expecting a Boxing Day boost.
