As West Bromwich Albion prepare for their upcoming Championship clash against Portsmouth, Carlos Corberan will be looking to maintain the team’s strong form after collecting 10 out of a possible 12 points before the international break. Facing newly-promoted Portsmouth, it will be crucial for West Brom to continue their momentum and secure another positive result as they strive for promotion this season.
In the lead-up to the match, Portsmouth has shown resilience in the second tier with three draws and one defeat, positioning them in the 18th spot on the table. While they have faced tough opponents like Leeds United, Luton Town, and Middlesbrough, Portsmouth will be eager to put up a strong fight against West Brom and secure their first victory of the season.
For West Brom, consistency will be key as they navigate a challenging run of fixtures in the coming weeks. With matches against top opposition like Burnley and Sheffield United on the horizon, a strong performance against Portsmouth will set the tone for the upcoming games and reaffirm their status as promotion contenders.
With that in mind, Birmingham World reporter Charlie Haffenden has predicted the starting lineup for West Brom against Portsmouth:
In goal, Alex Palmer will aim to add another clean sheet to his name, serving as a reliable presence between the posts. The defensive line will be anchored by Darnell Furlong, Semi Ajayi, Kyle Bartley, and Torbjorn Heggem, who will be tasked with shutting down Portsmouth’s attacking threats and providing a solid foundation for the team.
In midfield, Jayson Molumby and Alex Mowatt will look to dictate the tempo of the game and control the middle of the park. Mowatt’s creativity and distribution will be crucial in unlocking Portsmouth’s defense and creating scoring opportunities for the team.
On the wings, Tom Fellows and Mikey Johnston will offer pace and width, stretching Portsmouth’s defense and providing options in attack. Fellows, coming off a goal for England Under-21s, will be brimming with confidence, while Johnston’s marquee signing status signifies his potential impact on the game.
In the central attacking midfield role, John Swift is expected to orchestrate the team’s attacking moves with his vision and passing ability. Swift’s set-piece delivery and playmaking skills make him a valuable asset for West Brom, and his presence in the lineup is likely to trouble Portsmouth’s defense.
Leading the line is Josh Maja, who has been in prolific form with four goals in as many games. Maja’s clinical finishing and positional awareness have made him a standout performer for West Brom, and he will be aiming to continue his scoring streak against Portsmouth.
Overall, West Brom’s predicted lineup showcases a blend of experience, talent, and goal-scoring threat, highlighting the team’s depth and quality as they look to secure another important victory on their quest for promotion to the Premier League.