West Bromwich Albion get their FA Cup campaign underway this weekend with a home time against Derby County in the third round. The baggies sit 8th in the Premier League and have won four of their last five home games and go into this game full of confidence after back to back wins. Their opponents Derby sit just points off the play-off places and have won seven of their last ten games.
Boss Tony Pulis has told the press that he will be making changes for the game as he looks to keep the squad fitness up as Albion push for a top half finish. Albion reached the 5th round of the FA Cup last season before being knocked out away at Championship side Reading. Derby reached the 4th round before being knocked out by Manchester United.
Take a look through the slideshow as we predict Albion’s XI for the fixture against Derby.
Formation – 4-5-1
GK - Boaz Myhill
Myhill has been waiting patiently on the sidelines for his chance and Pulis has confirmed it will come against Derby as Foster gets a much-deserved rest.
RB - Craig Dawson
Dawson has been in solid form recently, but a lack of full-back options may not see him rested.
CB - Gareth McAuley
Like a fine wine he keeps getting better with age! McAuley has been solid at the back and in the opposition box this season.
CB - Jonas Olsson
With Evans picking up a knock expected to see Olsson return to the starting 11.
LB - Brendan Galloway
Who? The Everton loanee has been frozen out by Tony Pulis but expect him to return in this cup game.
RM - Jonathan Leko
The youngster has been in outstanding form for the development squad and deserves a chance in the first team as star player Matt Phillips gets a rest.
CM - Sam Field
The youngster looked confident during his time in the first team earlier in the season and deserves to be given a start here.
CM - Claudio Yacob
He’s magic. The hard-hitting Argentine midfielder has been Albion’s rock in midfield this season.
CM - James Morrison
Mozza loves the FA Cup and his return to the first team has been a breath of fresh air.
LM - James McClean
The Irish winger has been unlucky not to feature more for the Baggies this season, expect club record signing Nacer Chadli to be rested.
ST - Hal Robson-Kanu
Albion are short up front but expect to see Rondon dropped for Robson-Kanu who loves a wonder goal.