MANAGER Tony Mowbray has hinted at changes to his line-up when West Bromwich Albion meet Charlton Athletic in the third round of the FA Cup at The Valley.
Chris Brunt and Andrade Filipe Teixeira could return to midfield, while defenders Martin Albrechtsen and Leon Barnett and strikers Craig Beattie and Roman Bednar will also be hoping for a recall.
If Mowbray decides to recall Filipe Teixeira he may also choose to revert to the 4-4-1-1 formation in which the Portuguese attacking midfield figured so prominently earlier in the season.
Sherjill MacDonald will also be pressing his claim for at least a place on the bench after completing his permanent £200,000 to The Hawthorns this week, while room could also be made to accommodate defender Neil Clement and midfielder Richard Chaplow in the squad.
Albion will be looking for a quick return to form following their 2-0 defeat at Ipswich Town on New Year`s Day, only the third game this season in which they have failed to find the back of the net.
Charlton, without a win in their last five games, will be keen to avenge their 4-2 defeat in front of the Sky cameras at The Hawthorns three weeks ago.
Vital Quotes:
Manager Tony Mowbray has pledged that his side will definitely be ‘up for the cup’.
He told the club’s official website: ‘We’ll be as positive as we can and try and get our name in the hat for the next round.
‘The FA Cup gives you a real boost when you get through a tie and find out who you’re playing in the next round.
‘I would never purposefully think about not doing well in the cup.
‘I’ve got total respect for the FA Cup.
‘If it takes a replay to get through against Charlton, then so be it.`
Charlton Athletic Team News:
Defender Kelly Youga, recalled from loan at Scunthorpe, could make his debut for the Addicks.
Former Albion loanee Sam Sodje misses the third of a four-game ban, while full backs Yassin Moutaouakil and Grant Basey are back in contention after recovering from injury.
Charlton boss Alan Pardew may well rest Chris Powell, while Jonathan Fortune is doubtful.
Darren Ambrose is back to fitness and will probably return to the Addicks midfield.
Player to watch: Chris Iwulemo
The lanky striker proved a handful in the Championship game three weeks ago though, if the Baggies are lucky, manager Pardew may decide to rest his leading scorer.
West Bromwich Albion Team News:
Manager Tony Mowbray has confessed that a number of his first-team squad are suffering various niggles. which may prompt him to make more changes than would otherwise have been the case.
Player to watch: Andrade Filipe Teixeira
A chance for Ronaldinho’s former midfield partner to get back to the scintillating form he showed earlier in the season.
Match Facts & Stats
Albion and Charlton last met in the FA Cup third round back in 1931, the year the Midlanders achieved a unique double as they lifted the Cup and gained promotion from the second tier in the same season.
Albion needed a second replay at Villa Park to go through after draws at The Hawthorns and The Valley.
Next Fixtures:
Hull City v West Bromwich Albion
Saturday January 12th
Kick off: 5.20pm