, Predicted West Brom starting XI for Middlesbrough clash

Predicted West Brom starting XI for Middlesbrough clash

West Bromwich Albion will look to retain their place at the top of the Championship table with a victory over struggling Middlesbrough at the Riverside tomorrow.

The Baggies have only lost one game so far this season and they will be confident heading to the clash with Jonathan Woodgate’s Boro.

Here we take a look at the predicted starting XI for Slaven Bilic’s side:

SAM JOHNSTONE

The goalkeeper has looked better than his record suggests in recent weeks. Despite conceding two goals against Cardiff there was nothing he could do about either goal.

NATHAN FERGUSON

Discussions of offering the youngster a new five-year-deal highlight just how highly thought of he is at the Hawthorns. One of the star performers of the season and will start.

KYLE BARTLEY

Despite the return of Ahmed Hegazi, the Egyptian has only played one competitive game for his country and needs to be utilised carefully so Bartley will most likely get the nod here.

SEMI AJAYI

Kept the likes of Coutinho, Firmino and Neymar quiet when he turned out for Nigeria against Brazil which will have given him plenty of confidence. Certain to start.

DARNELL FURLONG

The return of Kieran Gibbs will undoubtedly mean that Furlong will need to continue the impressive form he has shown with the experienced former Arsenal man providing stiff competition should his levels drop.

GRADY DIANGANA

Was taken off more as a precaution against Cardiff with a slight Achilles problem but Bilic has confirmed it wasn’t serious and if fit he will certainly start with the form he has shown.

ROMAINE SAWYERS

Grabbed his first goal for West Brom last time out. Left the club as a boy but has returned as a man and looks every inch the perfect partner in midfield for Livermore.

JAKE LIVERMORE

Received criticism at the end of last season but has answered them all with a string of good performances in the centre of the park. A real captain’s showing so far.

MATT PHILLIPS

Missed going away with Scotland for their round of internationals due to a slight knock for which he needed an injection but should his fitness be good his pace will cause a whole host of problems for the Boro defence.

MATHEUS PEREIRA

In recent weeks the Brazilian has been the best player in the Championship. Some of the football he plays is quite breathtaking and barring any injuries he is probably the first name on the teamsheet at the moment.

CHARLIE AUSTIN

Scored his first goal in the league for the Baggies which has surely given him even more confidence. Unquestionably is Bilic’s first choice and his clinical nature in front of goal could give West Brom the edge.

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