Predicted West Brom XI to face Nottingham Forest in the Championship

West Bromwich Albion got themselves a very helpful result at the weekend as they went on to beat Stoke City 1-0 at the Bet365 stadium to maintain their two-point gap over 5th-placed Middlesbrough.

A 25th-minute goal from an in-form Dwight Gayle was enough for the Baggies to see out the victory. Their challenge is about to get much harder this week though, as they now face 9th-placed Nottingham Forest.

The Reds will pose a serious threat to Darren Moore’s ambitions for this game. With the goal-scoring prowess that West Brom possess, this promises to be an excellent battle of wits between the two managers.

Team News

Hal Robson-Kanu is unlikely to feature against the Reds as the knee problem he picked up against Brighton in the FA Cup could keep him out for another week or so.

Matt Philips and James Morrison are on their road to recovery as well but featuring against Forest seems unlikely for both of them as they’re still in training, getting back to full fitness.

Probable West Brom XI

Formation: 4-3-3

Manager: Darren Moore

GK – Sam Johnstone

The easiest name to pick in the line-up, he has nailed down the starting role at the Hawthorns and will be in goal as they kick off against the Reds.

RB – Mason Holgate

The Evertonian wing-back is currently on loan at West Brom and has shown himself in a good light over the last couple of weeks.

RCB – Craig Dawson

The veteran defender has been inconsistent this campaign but his presence is a massive boost to the morale of this talented bunch of players.

LCB – Ahmed Hegazy

He set up Dwight Gayle for the winner against Stoke City at the weekend and will play an important role once again.

LB – Kieran Gibbs

The former Arsenal man has been good going forward for the Baggies but his defensive capabilities have come under scrutiny on more than occasion.

RCM – Jake Livermore

The midfielder will be crucial if West Brom are to get a positive result against Nottingham Forest at the weekend.

CM – Gareth Barry

The Premier League veteran has been involved in English football for more than 10 years and is a key part of Moore’s system.

LCM – Stefan Johansen

The former Fulham midfield man played the weekend game against Stoke and did look a level above his teammates.

RW – Jacob Murphy

One of the new signings, the injury to Philips will force Murphy back into the squad as they look to overcome Forest.

ST – Jay Rodriguez

One of the two in-form West Brom players, Rodriguez didn’t find the net against Stoke and will be eager to make up for it.

LW – Dwight Gayle

The man on loan from Newcastle has been a revelation and it was his goal that turned out to be the winner against Stoke last time out.