OPINION
James Shan is predicted to make four changes to West Brom’s starting line-up ahead of their clash against Birmingham at The Hawthorns on Friday night.
Kieran Gibbs could return to the side after missing the last four matches with a hip injury.
Albion confirmed earlier this week that the 29-year-old has returned to training and he is predicted to start instead of Conor Townsend at left-back.
Jake Livermore and Rekeem Harper are also likely to return to Shan’s starting line-up. They both started in Shan’s first game in charge when West Brom beat Swansea 3-0, but were dropped for the trip to Brenford a few days later.
Both midfielders might return on Friday though, and they could replace James Morrison and Stefan Johansen in the midfield.
Kyle Edwards scored the only goal in the win at Brentford, but Jacob Murphy is likely to come in for him on the right wing.
Sam Johnstone is predicted to start in goals behind a familiar back-four of Mason Holgate, Craig Dawson, Ahmed Hegazi and Gibbs.
Chris Brunt has enjoyed a good run of form since Darren Moore was sacked so he could keep his spot in the midfield and be joined by Livermore and Harper.
Murphy and Jay Rodriguez are both expected to start on the wings while Dwight Gayle could be named to spearhead the front-three despite not scoring in any of his last six appearances.
West Brom can apply some pressure on third-placed Leeds United if they win against Birmingham on Friday night.
Albion are currently six points behind the Yorkshire club, but they do not play until Saturday when they take on bogey-team Millwall.
As for Blues, they have been hit with a nine-point points deduction and will be eager to ensure they do not fall into a relegation scrap by getting one over on their West Midlands rivals.