West Bromwich Albion Boss Confirms Starting Line-Up for Preston Clash
Albion manager James Morrison has announced his team selection for the upcoming away match against Preston North End in Lancashire. The Baggies are returning to action this week after dealing with off-field drama, and Morrison has opted for an attacking change to face the mid-table Lilywhites.
Attacking Switch as Maja Replaces Dike
Head coach Morrison has made one alteration to his frontline, bringing in striker Josh Maja to start in place of Daryl Dike, who moves to the substitutes' bench. This is the sole change for Albion in what is described as a crunch clash, kicking off a run of four final games this season where victories are crucial for survival prospects, especially before any potential financial charge sanctions are considered.
The visitors receive a boost with more squad options available in Preston. Karlan Grant, Chris Mepham, and Tammer Bany have all returned to the bench after lengthy absences. Grant and Mepham have been sidelined for nearly three months with serious hamstring injuries, while Bany underwent surgery for a torn thigh at the start of the year.
Line-Up and System Details
Albion is expected to maintain their 4-4-2 formation, a system that has contributed significantly to Morrison's success. Midfielder Jayson Molumby will again be deployed on the right side. On the other hand, hosts Preston, who are unbeaten in their last four games, have named an unchanged line-up for the contest.
The substitutions see Harry Whitwell, who has a minor knock, along with loan players Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba and Hindolo Mustapha, dropping out to accommodate the returning trio. Albion's confirmed line-up is as follows: O'Leary; Imray, Phillips, Campbell, Styles; Molumby, Mowatt (c), Diakite, Price; Heggebo, Maja. Subs include Griffiths, Gilchrist, Taylor, Mepham, Bostock, Bany, Grant, Dike, and Sule.
