WEST BROMWICH, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 01: Semi Ajayi of West Bromwich Albion(R) celebrates after scoring his sides second goal with his team mates during the Sky Bet Championship match between West Bromwich Albion and Luton Town at The Hawthorns on February 01, 2020 in West Bromwich, England. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)
Carlos Corberan’s West Bromwich Albion will aim to bounce back from Saturday’s 0-0 draw with Bristol City when they travel to Watford in the Championship.
The Baggies returned from the international break with a disheartening road draw, and a change will be required if they are to break their terrible away form – albeit the majority of the lineup could remain.
After failing to register a single shot on target against Bristol City, the Baggies will try to bring in more attacking players at Vicarage Road, and Jeremy Sarmiento could benefit from that call.
Sarmiento’s impact was seen despite playing only 12 minutes from the bench against Bristol City. As the team struggled for attacking inspiration, the winger completed 100% of his dribbles, crosses, and duels won both aerially and on the ground. [Sofascore].
He might replace the unimpressive Jed Wallace, who has struggled in recent games for the Baggies. In their most recent game, he had no influence, failing to finish any of his attempted crosses, winning 0 aerial duels, and losing possession 13 times.
Wallace also won only four of nine ground duels and did not have a single shot in the game, a dismal performance for a player who is supposed to provide attacking influence. Dropping the captain would be a difficult decision, but it would be essential.
West Brom have a lack of depth, and the manager will be well aware of how little quality he has on his bench. Aside from Sarmiento, there are no true game changers.
Conor Townsend should replace Matt Phillips, who struggled and had a caution against Bristol City before being substituted after 66 minutes in favor of Townsend.
Alex Mowatt could get his first start of the season in place of either Jayson Molumy or Okay Yokuslu, who were both average last time out, but Corberan is expected to remain with the most of his first-choice lineup.
Josh Maja would have been in position for a start following an outstanding cameo in Bristol, but he suffered an ankle injury that appears to rule him out.
With their performance at the back end of the pitch earning the side a clean sheet and the troubles they encountered when changes were made against Huddersfield, the back three is pretty much etched in stone.
In other West Brom news, Carlos Corberan has been taken aback this season by one Baggies player.
