West Brom boss Carlos Corberan has recalled Grady Diangana in place of Brandon Thomas-Asante for the big match against Birmingham City on Friday 6 October.
Diangana was left out of the starting XI for the 1-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday in midweek due to illness, meaning Thomas-Asante had to return to the starting line-up.
But in the only change from his win at The Hawthorns, Diangana was favored ahead of Thomas-Asante at the top at St Andrew’s ahead of a bold call from Corberan.
Although it was a decision many would have supported before the ball was even kicked, Thomas-Asante was a lively presence in Wednesday’s match with a team-high four shots [Who scored].
Thomas-Asante has hardly been in the best of form over the past month, but it cannot be forgotten he began the campaign with three goals and an assist in his first five appearances in all competitions.
Besides, BTA has experience of netting in this West Midlands derby fixture, doing so in last term’s 3-2 home defeat.
When you factor in that Albion’s only goal against Wednesday also came with Thomas-Asante on the field, it makes it a big call from Corberan’s perspective.
Semi Ajayi returns from injury to take a place in the matchday squad, which includes back three of Kyle Bartley, Cedric Kipre and Erik Pieters, with Darnell Furlong and Matt Phillips again operating as wingers .
Corberan tends to make big changes when games are played in quick succession, but Ale Mowatt,x Ok Yokuslu, John Swift and Jed Wallace have also held their own
Let’s hope that in a close match, perhaps with just one goal, Diangana against Thomas-Asante will succeed.