Team for West Brom

[RVclaret]

While all the focus has been on the transfer window and deadline day, there is the quick turnaround of matches, will we see some rotation tonight or would you not change a winning team?

Praying Muric is fit but expecting he'll miss out, so:

BPF
Roberts
THB
Taylor
Maatsen
Cork
Cullen
Churlinov
Brownhill
Tella
Rodriguez

Couple of changes to keep things fresh, Vitinho has done very well but Maatsen's extra energy / freshness on the left could be the difference.

[MACCA]

BPF
Roberts THB Taylor Maatsen
Cullen Cork
Tella Brownhill Vitinho
Jay

I think the bench might be an interesting one.


Not that I think JBG has done much to miss out, I just don't think he offers as much threat, maybe 3 games in 6 games is asking too much after a lengthy spell out, and imo Vitinho doesn't deserve dropping after 3 goal involvements in 2 games.

Benson cameo was a good one, but I think again it could be a great weapon off the bench when they have tired legs later on, they're also having their 3rd game in 6 days and their 2 have been away, so usually harder work.

Would certainly take a point in offered now though.

[Neil]

God knows what the team will be but I'm looking for 3 points tonight. West Brom have won one game all season.

[RVclaret]

God knows what the team will be but I'm looking for 3 points tonight. West Brom have won one game all season.

But also they’ve not lost at home / only lost one all season like us. I’d definitely take a point now. Interested to see how we go against one of the better sides / individuals in the league.

[Neil]

But also they’ve not lost at home / only lost one all season like us. I’d definitely take a point now. Interested to see how we go against one of the better sides / individuals in the league.

I get that but one win in 7 is not a good start for one of the suppposed favourites. Point not a bad result don't get me wrong but it's a great chance to kick on and make another statement. Certainly not one to fear.

[Burnley1989]

But also they’ve not lost at home / only lost one all season like us. I’d definitely take a point now. Interested to see how we go against one of the better sides / individuals in the league.

My thoughts, it’s really difficult to call.
Could quite easily be a heavy defeat, we don’t know how this side will respond yet if we start leaking goals early.

Heart says 1v3
Head says 1v1

Devil on shoulder says - 3v1

[Nonayforever]

I think the back four have started to pick themselves now with Maatsen coming back in for Vitinho.
BPF as goalie.
Cullen , Cork and Brownhill midfield but then it could be all change for the other positions.
Hope Tella is fit but we have ample bodies in reserve.

[arise_sir_charge]

No idea what the score will be but tonight is a big test.

It’s probably our first away game (maybe even game) against a typical top ten Championship side that are big, strong and have plenty of players who’ve been around the block and a manager that’s been there and done it.

I think we are ahead of where the manager thought we’d be and so I still expect some bumps in the road but if we do come away from tonight in good shape it really is time to get excited.

[Tricky Trevor]

I’d leave Maatsen on the bench if only as a wake up call to him of what can happen if you make rash decisions.
I’m never one for changing a winning team anyway, so same again barring injuries. Benson has performed better as a sub so bring him on for the last 30mins.

[jedi_master]

Think VK alluded to a few changes, and with the short gap from Tuesday I think that’s a given. A test tonight with the likes of Wallace, Swift and Grant running at our defence - but I fancy our attack to cause them all manner of issues. I’m going to go for an entertaining 1-3 win tonight.

——————————-Muric/BPF
————————-THB—————Taylor
Roberts———-Cullen————-Cork———Maatsen
Churlinov—————-Brownhill—————-Tella
———————————Rodriguez

[CoolClaret]

Be unfair to drop Vitinho after his recent performances - looks better defensively than Maatsen as well.

Ideally I’d like both of them to play but may not be feasible in the current formation/system

Happy with VK to pick the same team and hoping Muric available for selection.

That being said I’d like to see us lineup like this onetime

———————-Muric
——Roberts—-THB—-Taylor
Vitinho—-Cork—-Cullen—-Maatsen
———Brownhill——-Tella
————————-Jay

[Marney&Mee]

Be unfair to drop Vitinho after his recent performances - looks better defensively than Maatsen as well.

Ideally I’d like both of them to play but may not be feasible in the current formation/system

Happy with VK to pick the same team and hoping Muric available for selection.

That being said I’d like to see us lineup like this onetime

———————-Muric
——Roberts—-THB—-Taylor
Vitinho—-Cork—-Cullen—-Maatsen
———Brownhill——-Tella
————————-Jay

Has the perfect blend of old and new players this team.

Exciting times indeeeeeed.....

[4midable]

BPF
Roberts THB Taylor Maatsen
Cullen Cork
Tella Brownhill Vitinho
Jay

I think the bench might be an interesting one.


Not that I think JBG has done much to miss out, I just don't think he offers as much threat, maybe 3 games in 6 games is asking too much after a lengthy spell out, and imo Vitinho doesn't deserve dropping after 3 goal involvements in 2 games.

Benson cameo was a good one, but I think again it could be a great weapon off the bench when they have tired legs later on, they're also having their 3rd game in 6 days and their 2 have been away, so usually harder work.

Would certainly take a point in offered now though.

JBG isnt good enough
Had 2 games to shine. Done nothing

[Roosterbooster]

———————-Muric
——Roberts—-THB—-Taylor
Vitinho—-Cork—-Cullen—-Maatsen
———Brownhill——-Tella
————————-Jay

I'd probably set up like this too to start (or BPF if any doubts about fitness for Muric)
But fatigue might be an issue (for both teams), and I'd expect lots of changes during the game

Having 5 of Zaroury, Churlinov, Benson, Bastien, JBG, Costelloe and Dervişoğlu to potentially bring on must be terrifying

[EarbyClaret]

Maatsen to start - as has been mentioned elsewhere there are obligations when bringing in loan players from PL clubs. I'd be inclined to rest JBG to accommodate Vitinho

Our respective results against Wigan are hopefully an indicator of where tonight's teams are at. We have such a range of attacking options - both starting and from the bench - it must be very difficult to prepare/set-up to play against us. We need to capitalise on that if we can

[tiger76]

Don't know what our injury situation is regarding Muric and Tella, and of course Maatsen is available again, so I'd be surprised if we don't see some changes given the heavy schedule this week.

BPF (Muric if fit)
Roberts THB Taylor Vitinho
Cullen Cork
Churlinov Brownhill Tella (hoping he's fit)
Jay

Although we now have so many options up top it's hard to be sure who'll start, Brownhill and Jay have to be played as our 2 main goal threats, but the others might well rotate throughout the season depending on form, nice problems to have though for a change, and we'll have one of if not the strongest bench in the division.

[Stayingup]

JBG isnt good enough
Had 2 games to shine. Done nothing

I said this to my crowd and they disagreed. But he can't beat a man and though he used the ball quite well he doesn't really create much, like Bneson did when he came on v Milwall.

[BleedingClaret]

The idea that Mattsen just walks back in is ludicrous
Besides the ill discipline
He defended very poorly against Blackpool
Vitinho has defended better, assisted better and had an equal at least goal threat
If you played Mattsen further forward Tella is a class above at present as is JBG on his day
Mattsen has some hard yards to do from the bench imo

[BleedingClaret]

I said this to my crowd and they disagreed. But he can't beat a man and though he used the ball quite well he doesn't really create much, like Bneson did when he came on v Milwall.

Benson did it as a brief Cameo when Millwall were tired and demoralised
JBG did it from the start, Millwall were wary of him
His crossing is very good and he carries a goal threat too

[RVclaret]

The idea that Mattsen just walks back in is ludicrous
Besides the ill discipline
He defended very poorly against Blackpool
Vitinho has defended better, assisted better and had an equal at least goal threat
If you played Mattsen further forward Tella is a class above at present as is JBG on his day
Mattsen has some hard yards to do from the bench imo

Maatsen has also created the most chances in our team this season so far, despite playing two games less.

Vitinho has been superb, but VK alluded to needing to use the squad, with this game on Friday being the first test of that, so I'm expecting Maatsen's freshness and energy will be called upon.

What people need to realise is it's not 'dropping' them anymore, like it used to be under SD as he was very loyal to his first 11, it's going to be based on rotation / fitness and identifying oppositions weak points.

Interestingly, West Brom's weak point in this game is their right back, Furlong.

[4midable]

I said this to my crowd and they disagreed. But he can't beat a man and though he used the ball quite well he doesn't really create much, like Bneson did when he came on v Milwall.

Exactly. Hes stale
Benson took a man on with pace. We need that on both sides

Been crying out for a benson for years

[KlyBfc]

A lot will depend on feedback from the medical team on levels of fitness / fatigue

So all being well:

Muric
Roberts THB Taylor vitinho
Cork Cullen
Darko brownhill tella
Jay

(Nothing against JBG but he doesn’t need exhausting / risking and he’ll clearly be an asset this season. As VK said we couldn’t afford to buy someone of his quality when he’s fit)

However I wouldn’t be surprised to see Bastien come into the side and BPF.

Benson was excellent on Tuesday but we may need to scrap a bit early doors and so he will give us more from the bench. Vitinho has done nothing to deserve to be dropped and I’m all for keeping players in when that’s the case, especially when building / maintaining stability at the back. Matsen will give us another attacking threat if needed from the bench.

[NewClaret]

Have to say, JBG never asked for it in front of him all game. He definitely has quality and in front of goal I’d likely prefer him to Benson/Vitinho, but the chances of him getting there are much lower!!

I’d love to be loyal to these lads who’ve served us well but they must up their game also (like Jay, Browny, etc). I’d probably give him one more start with that message.

[alwaysaclaret]

Benson did it as a brief Cameo when Millwall were tired and demoralised
JBG did it from the start, Millwall were wary of him
His crossing is very good and he carries a goal threat too

Exactly, in other words JBG softened them up to enable Benson to go in for the kill, and it worked, hope JBG can stay fit, has still got playing days left in him, unfair for some to just write him off, but only as I say if he can stay fit.

[leelad]

BPF in for Muric.
Darko on for JBG.

These are the only changes I would make.

Think Tella went off with cramp, so am hoping he will be fit. He is proving to be an important player for us so far this season.
Maatsen to be on the bench for now, needs to earn the right to get back into the first 11 after his conduct against Blackpool.

[BleedingClaret]

Maatsen has also created the most chances in our team this season so far, despite playing two games less.

Vitinho has been superb, but VK alluded to needing to use the squad, with this game on Friday being the first test of that, so I'm expecting Maatsen's freshness and energy will be called upon.

What people need to realise is it's not 'dropping' them anymore, like it used to be under SD as he was very loyal to his first 11, it's going to be based on rotation / fitness and identifying oppositions weak points.

Interestingly, West Brom's weak point in this game is their right back, Furlong.

I agree on the rotation but Mattsen cost us 2 points against Blackpool firstly with poor defending and then with ill discipline
He comes off the bench for me, if he performs well then he maybe starts Friday, not tonight as I’m still sulking from Blackpool

[BleedingClaret]

I don’t agree with this 5 subs rule
It’s ridiculous
Should be 7!

[NewClaret]

No idea what the score will be but tonight is a big test.

It’s probably our first away game (maybe even game) against a typical top ten Championship side that are big, strong and have plenty of players who’ve been around the block and a manager that’s been there and done it.

I think we are ahead of where the manager thought we’d be and so I still expect some bumps in the road but if we do come away from tonight in good shape it really is time to get excited.

Agree with this, arise.

First game for a lot of the newcomers against a big team, big away following, camera’s on them, decent & experienced manager, and a team who have only lost once.

Draw would be my inclination, unless we’re more clinical than we were at Millwall (v. good performance, just don’t think we’ll get as many chances).

A lot depends on whether Muric has recovered. Our style obviously changed a lot when BPF came on and so I would say Muric’s recovery is key to whether we can retain & build on the system we’ve been playing to date.

[Jambo]

Depends on fitness levels but would be tempted to go as close to same again as possible. Presume BPF will come in for Muric, but I'd leave Maatsen on the bench for now. Vitinho has been just as good, if not better, and I don't agree with IM coming straight back in after letting his team-mates down.

JBG might not have produced a huge amount of end product, but the fact we've won both games he started - and the cup game (I know the goals came after he came off in two of them) - counts for something in my book. I think he gives the team good balance and probably better defensive cover than the alternatives for that position so, if he's up to it, he can go again.

I don't think anyone has particularly nailed down that RW spot yet and Benson seems more suited to coming off the bench, for now at least.

[alwaysaclaret]

I agree on the rotation but Mattsen cost us 2 points against Blackpool firstly with poor defending and then with ill discipline
He comes off the bench for me, if he performs well then he maybe starts Friday, not tonight as I’m still sulking from Blackpool

Think we're just going to have to alternate the two, but I've been more impressed with vitinho in this last couple of games, also puts more effort in for me, fully agree that maatsen cost us, and shouldn't just walk back in although vitinho did look shattered at the end on Tuesday so would make sense to give maatsen 30 mins tonight.

[Boss Hogg]

Think Tella may be rested with his injury. Don’t think Vitinho can be dropped so he might be deployed elsewhere if Maatsen comes in at LB. I’d be tempted to rest JBG with his injury record. Think Benson is best option off the bench.

[Leyland Claret]

Haven’t got a scooby what the team will be tonight…and isn’t that great! For the 1st time in years we have a squad that is exciting, youthful and full of energy. It’s very good you have a core of 11 dependables but I am loving the options we now have at our disposal.

[Woodleyclaret]

Tella needs to play against a very pedestrian Baggies back four.We will win but I suspect another attempt to kick us off the park.

[NewClaret]

Think Tella may be rested with his injury. Don’t think Vitinho can be dropped so he might be deployed elsewhere if Maatsen comes in at LB. I’d be tempted to rest JBG with his injury record. Think Benson is best option off the bench.

It was only cramp, I think. Vital for us so I’d risk him if possible but also bring him off quickly if we get a foothold in the game.

[claretandy]

Think Tella may be rested with his injury. Don’t think Vitinho can be dropped so he might be deployed elsewhere if Maatsen comes in at LB. I’d be tempted to rest JBG with his injury record. Think Benson is best option off the bench.

Cramp isn't an injury.

[ArmchairDetective]

Keep it similar for consistency.

I agree with the OP from RV, harsh on Vitinho but bringing in Maatsen could give us that little bit extra without us becoming a little tired/stale from 3 games in 6 days.

Nice to have options these days.

[Mala591]

Same starting lineup as against Millwall. Benson on for JBG around 60 minutes. Might need to replace Cork (with Bastien?) around 70 minutes if he’s looking a bit leggy.

It’s going to be a tough match, don’t get too carried away and be over confident.

[claretandy]

It will be more interesting trying to name the bench

[summitclaret]

Cork will play the full game unless we are well in front. He is 6 foot.

[RVclaret]

It will be more interesting trying to name the bench

Will be interesting to see if Zaroury and Dervisoglu make the bench.

Don’t think there was any word on the latter yesterday.

[tiger76]

Haven’t got a scooby what the team will be tonight…and isn’t that great! For the 1st time in years we have a squad that is exciting, youthful and full of energy. It’s very good you have a core of 11 dependables but I am loving the options we now have at our disposal.

Precisely we could easily name 2 XI'S and both would be able to compete in this league imo. And as the season draws on that should serve us in great stead to sustain a promotion push. I can't recall when we last had this much strength in depth, even during our 2 promotion seasons under Sean we were often reliant on a core of 15/16, and when injuries kicked in we struggled, I don't see that being an issue this season now we have quality able to seamlessly bring off the bench, and we'll quite often have to leave good players out of our match day squads entirely, which is a wonderful position to be in compared to many others in this division.

[Dodobdobodobo]

Muric/BPF
Vit een io
Maatsen
Taylor
THB
Cork
Cullen
Brownhill
Darko
Jay
Nut

BPF/Franchi
Roberts
Bayer
Bastien
Zaroury
Benson
Twine/Egan Riley

[burnley007]

Seeing Twine in the squad would be a huge bonus.

Doubt either of yesterday's signings will be involved tonight,

[ArmchairDetective]

Muric/BPF
Vit een io
Maatsen
Taylor
THB
Cork
Cullen
Brownhill
Darko
Jay
Nut

BPF/Franchi
Roberts
Bayer
Bastien
Zaroury
Benson
Twine/Egan Riley

That looks like one exciting squad for this level doesn't it. Not even including those not mentioned, JBG etc.

[boatshed bill]

Barring injuries i'd guess at the same starting line-up as for the Millwall game.

So possibly BPF for Aro and Churlinov for Tella.

[Boss Hogg]

Barring injuries i'd guess at the same starting line-up as for the Millwall game.

So possibly BPF for Aro and Churlinov for Tella.

Think this will be the team with the 2 changes for the injuries.

[RVclaret]

Think this will be the team with the 2 changes for the injuries.

Tella is not injured. Kompany said after the match it was tiredness.

[boatshed bill]

Tella is not injured. Kompany said after the match it was tiredness.

But he could still be recovering?

[Jakubs Tash]

I think Maatsen for JBG with Vitinho going wide right.

Then depends on Muric’s shoulder whether he plays.

Can’t see too much changing.

[RVclaret]

I think Maatsen for JBG with Vitinho going wide right.

Then depends on Muric’s shoulder whether he plays.

Can’t see too much changing.

Hope Vitinho isn’t wide right, completely ineffective there.

Rather see Costelloe / Tella / Churlinov.