West Bromwich Albion enter into the November international break in good spirits as our fine start to the 2019/20 Championship campaign under Slaven Bilic continues, as we remain sitting in top spot with a small advantage.
Having taken a narrow 1-0 victory over Hull City on Saturday, with a solitary Jake Livermore goal being enough to return all three points, our two point buffer remains intact in the second tier table, keeping us ahead of nearest chasers Preston North End and Leeds United, but heading towards football’s return and the clash with Sheffield Wednesday – we do have two problems.
Both Romaine Sawyers and Jake Livermore will be missing from the game having picked up their fifth booking of the year and will serve an automatic suspension, so one big topic of conversation amongst Baggies fans is how Bilic should pivot tactically.
Speaking to wba.co.uk following the game, the Croatian said.
“They are suspended for the Sheffield Wednesday game and that’s a blow for us. Both players have been instrumental for us from the start of the season. They are leaders. We have a good squad though. We have guys who always come on from the bench and do really well. It’s not ideal that we are missing both of them but at least we have plenty of time to think about what we want to do. We will find a solution for the Sheffield Wednesday game.”
With Bilic promising a ‘solution’ fans have offered up a couple of their own.
Harper could come in and have a blinder? Hes just an unknown quantity atm
— Chris WBA (@ichigo_200) November 11, 2019
If Barry was fit, it would definitely be him and krov. But probably agree with your two
— Danny Perks (@dannyperks79) November 11, 2019
Hegazi with Bartley, Semi in midfield with Brunt. Diangana, Pereira and Philips in front with Zohore or Austin up front as both are better defensively in the box if required than HRK.
P.S pleased someone else wants Assombalonga at WBA. I've been banging on about this for ages: pic.twitter.com/pjRo5U6Yjn
— Safiya Outlines (@SafiyaOutlines) November 11, 2019
I think Ajayi and Krov/Brunt. Barry not fit, Harper too raw. I’d love to see Krov and Pereira link up in central areas, could be a great watch. Hegazi and Bartley CBs. My question is how do WBA deal with Pereira getting constantly fouled, how would you go about countering it?
— Roz (@yaboiroz) November 11, 2019
I’d play semi in the Livermore role, as that gives Hegazi the opportunity to come back in. And I’d play krov in the sawyers role with his quick feet and neat passing, as he’s been v impressive in the last two games
— Luke Birtwistle (@luke_birtwistle) November 11, 2019
I’d go with Ajayi and Krovi in midfield against Wednesday, but would be worried about disrupting Bartley and Ajayi’s solid partnership. Then what happens if Hegazi has a stormer at the back? Good headaches to have but headaches nonetheless
— alf (@alfwbaV3) November 11, 2019
Reasons: Krovinovic is a good passer and good on the ball. I think its a more mobile midfield than with Brunt and I think Ajayi would be better off the ball than Harper. Hegazi I trust in defence. I wouldn't have thought i'd even need to justify having Hegazi in defence.
— Jeeves (@LocalBaggiesFan) November 11, 2019
Move Ajayi into midfield and put Krovinovic next to him, then bring Hegazi back in at centre half. I think Krovinovic has earned a start in recent games and he’ll help us get a bit more control of the game – I think only Sawyers beats him statistically around ball retention.
— Jack (@JackBradleySJ) November 11, 2019
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