West Brom’s table-topping football is something that simply cannot be glossed over. The Baggies play some wonderful and have some incredible players on their books capable of carrying out Slaven Bilic’s instructions on the pitch, which has only led to some fantastic and memorable wins.
However, Bilic cannot rely on the same eleven week in week out, yet that seems to be the way he’s been trying to go about things this season, as the Croatian has named the exact same starting eleven for three straight games in the Championship, and he needs to mix things up.
Not only does rotation keep his entire squad happy with their playing time and make things difficult for the opposition to predict just how the Baggies will play, but it also reduces the fatigue that his finely tuned side will be suffering from, and it’s now time for a change.
Going away to Ashton Gate is far from an easy task, yet West Brom will still be favourites for this one and it’s up to Bilic to get one over Lee Johnson to ensure that his side’s lead at the top of the table remains four points or greater.
To do that, the Baggies would do well to give Kamil Grosicki his full debut after some impressive cameo performances, whilst Matt Phillips, Charlie Austin and the returning Kieran Gibbs will all be knocking on the door looking for their next starts.
How many players do West Brom need if they are promoted?
3-5
0-2
6+
Having some healthy competition at The Hawthorns will only be a good thing, and whilst we’re not suggesting that things could kick off if Bilic refuses to rotate, nothing that bad can come from mixing up the starting eleven given the strength in depth in the West Midland’s team’s squad.