West Bromwich Albion manager Ryan Mason faces a series of critical selection decisions ahead of Saturday's Championship trip to face Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road.
The Baggies travel to west London for the 15:00 GMT kick-off buoyed by a dramatic 3-2 comeback victory over Swansea City last time out, a result that eased pressure on the head coach.
Defensive Shuffle Forced and Facilitated
Mason's hand is forced in defence, where Nat Phillips will miss the match through suspension after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season. The Liverpool loanee was also substituted at half-time during the Swansea game, indicating his place was under threat regardless.
His likely replacement is Krystian Bielik, who impressed after coming on at the break and will hope to stake a claim for a regular starting role. In another change at the back, George Campbell is predicted to start at right-back after his effective substitute appearance, replacing Alfie Gilchrist who struggled in the first half against Swansea.
Elsewhere in the back line, Josh Griffiths, Chris Mepham, and Callum Styles are expected to retain their places.
Midfield Stability and Attacking Dilemmas
The midfield picks itself, with match-winner Jayson Molumby set to continue alongside vice-captain Alex Mowatt. Molumby's late goal secured the win against Swansea on his return from suspension, underlining his importance.
Further forward, Mason has tougher choices. While the in-form striker Aune Heggebo – who scored twice in the last match – is a certain starter, the wide areas are up for debate. Isaac Price, despite being hooked at half-time, is likely to keep his place given his return of five goals and two assists this term.
However, Samuel Iling-Junior could drop to the bench after also being substituted at the break, with Karlan Grant in line to replace him. Mikey Johnston should keep his spot, though Josh Maja's impact from the bench last week puts him in contention.
A Tight Battle in the Championship
The match pits two sides with identical records against each other, with West Brom only ahead of their hosts on goal difference. Both QPR and West Brom find themselves just four points off the play-off places, highlighting the competitive nature of the division.
QPR's form has been typically mixed, winning two and losing three of their last six to sit 13th. Victory for either team at Loftus Road could propel them into the top half of the table.
Predicted West Brom starting XI (4-2-3-1): Griffiths; Campbell, Bielik, Mepham, Styles; Molumby, Mowatt; Grant, Price, Johnston; Heggebo.
