OPINION
Darren Moore is predicted to make just the one change to West Brom’s starting line-up ahead of their clash against QPR at Loftus Road on Tuesday night.
Senior star Gareth Barry is likely to drop out due to him regularly being rested for midweek fixtures, meaning that Stefan Johensen could return to the starting line-up.
Hal Robson-Kanu might be an injury doubt, but due to Dwight Gayle’s suspension, the Wales international might be risked on the right-wing after a superb first-half display in the 2-0 win against Aston Villa on Saturday in which he scored a superb looping header.
Sam Johnstone is expected to start in goals behind a back-four of Mason Holgate, Craig Dawson, Ahmed Hegazi and Kieran Gibbs,
Johansen, 28, could join Jake Livermore and Rekeem Harper in the midfield after assured performances by the duo in Saturday’s West Midlands derby win at Villa Park.
Jacob Murphy is yet to really get West Brom fans on their feet but the Newcastle loanee could still start on the left against QPR, with Robson-Kanu on the right and Jay Rodriguez up front as the lone striker.
West Brom thrashed QPR 7-1 when the two sides met at The Hawthorns near the start of the season, but Steve McClaren’s men have shown a improvement since then as they sit 18th in the table, 10 points clear of the relegation zone.
As for Albion, they are fourth but a win against QPR would take Moore’s men within one point of second-placed Sheffield United and three behind Championship leaders Norwich.