Given the issues behind the scenes, Carlos Corberan would have been relieved to get West Brom’s season officially underway last weekend in a bid to lift the mood.
However, a 2-1 defeat at Blackburn Rovers in a game where the Spaniard was dismissed from the dugout was not the start that he desired when momentum could be everything in the Baggies’ season.
West Brom followed that setback by losing to Stoke City in the EFL Cup by the same scoreline, Corberan realising the size of his task for 2023-24.
Although West Brom cannot be considered to be among the promotion favourites, there are certain expectations at the club, even if as much focus will be on bringing through younger talent.
A first game on familiar territory this season may hand West Brom the boost that is needed, yet they face opponents who have enjoyed a contrasting opening.
Swansea were held to a 1-1 draw against Birmingham City on August 5, an acceptable scoreline given that Blues are, like the Welsh outfit, a dark horse for promotion.
Michael Duff then watched the Swans run out 3-0 victors over Northampton Town in the EFL Cup, Josh Ginnelly scoring a goal-of-the-season contender that will stand the test of time.
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With Duff having only recently replaced Russell Martin, there is much work ahead as he bids to continue the work of his predecessor, yet the ex-Barnsley boss will want to stamp his own mark on this squad.
Several additions, such as Ginnelly, have the potential to be shrewd pieces of business, while keeping striker Joel Piroe, who netted twice in midweek, for the foreseeable future is naturally the most important of the lot.
With a switch to a back three not having the desired effect against Stoke, Corberan may revert to the 4-2-3-1 formation from the Blackburn game.John Swift could potentially be restored to West Brom’s midfield, potentially
taking on the number 10 role, while Kyle Bartley is pushing for a recall in defence.New arrival Josh Maja is pushing to earn a spot among the replacements after sitting out the opening two fixtures through a lack of fitness.
