OPINION
West Bromwich Albion go from one extremely tough game to another, as they rebound from last week’s 2-2 draw with Aston Villa with a trip to high flying Sheffield United on Friday night.
The Baggies have enjoyed a fine season thus far but are now entering a critical phase of the campaign. Chris Wilder’s side will be sure to test them in what could be a defining fixture this term.
Darren Moore’s men did well to recover a point against Villa, and must now build on that momentum against the Blades. Moore must decide how many alterations to make from last week’s stalemate.
The West Brom boss would do well to keep changes to a minimum, with two being enough to overcome Sheffield United. Defender Tosin Adarabioyo and midfielder Jake Livermore should drop out, with Tyrone Mears and Sam Field replacing them.
A formation change could do wonders, too, with the 4-4-2 able to bring out the best in Moore’s attacking talent. In goal, of course, will surely be Sam Johnstone who had another solid game against Villa.
Three of the back four picks itself at this point. Craig Dawson, Ahmed Hegazi and Kieran Gibbs have all been generally high performers this season and deserve to start once again. Adarabioyo, on the other hand, struggled majorly last time out and should be axed and replaced by the veteran Mears.
In midfield, Matt Phillips and Harvey Barnes can create havoc for the Blades’ defence from out wide, while Gareth Barry should be given another start after impressing against Villa. Livermore should be replaced by Field, however. The former England man, who has made 20 appearances this term, seemed to lack legs last week and should be given a rest. Field’s youthful exuberance will serve him well against Sheffield United.
Jay Rodriguez and Dwight Gayle are near automatic selections up front. They are both among the most lethal marksmen in the league, and should give Wilder’s side fits all game long.