West Bromwich Albion now seem set to appoint Carlos Corberan as their new manager, and with that, it is worth speculating what team he might utilise to freshen things up from Steve Bruce’s reign.
Were he to be appointed before their game against Sheffield United, the Spaniard would face a tough test as they host the fifth-placed team in the Championship.
By stark contrast, Albion sit in 23rd place, with just one win in their last 11 games.
However, it must be noted that the Blades are also in disappointing form, having not won in their last six outings.
With that in mind, here is West Brom’s predicted strongest XI under Corberan…
The former Huddersfield Town manager will likely employ a 3-4-3 system similar to the one that Richard Beale has tried to implement.
In goal, either Alex Palmer or David Button could make a case for the starting berth. Neither has impressed when handed their chance, with WhoScored ratings of 6.65 and 5.99 respectively, so the former will likely retain his place for now.
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The back three could see Kyle Bartley dropped, especially after his two yellow cards at the weekend. Although he was described as a “proper leader” by his former Swansea boss Gary Monk, the 31-year-old’s age and lack of pace would likely see him struggle in this system.
Martin Kelly will duly take Bartley’s place, flanked by Erik Pieters and Dara O’Shea.
The wing-backs will see pace and power being preferred, as Matt Phillips will return to the right flank whilst Conor Townsend will bomb down the left.
To implement his high-pressing style, Corberan will need to employ a mobile central midfield. Taylor Gardner-Hickman will continue to use his youth and exuberance and will likely be paired with summer addition Tom Rogic.
Dubbed “superb” by his former Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou, the Australian could be instrumental in how Corberan will likely want to play at The Hawthorns, due to his physicality and strength.
The front three will remain largely unchanged, as Grady Diangana and Jed Wallace are unlikely to be displaced and have the quality to come good eventually this term. Karlan Grant is hopeful that he will continue up front, and his experience of Championship football (41 goals in 124 games) will see him preferred to Brandon Thomas-Asante.
However, in January, it would be no surprise if the new West Brom boss opts to bring in some new faces to compete with this stagnant group of players.