West Brom vs Millwall: Key Selection Decisions for Morrison Ahead of Crucial Clash
West Bromwich Albion are set to face Millwall at The Hawthorns on Friday night in a Championship match with significant implications for both clubs. The encounter promises high stakes, with Albion aiming to build on recent strong home performances against top-half opposition, while Millwall pursue automatic promotion in the closing stages of the season.
Team Availability and Injury Updates
Albion's squad availability remains largely unchanged from their previous two matches over the Easter Bank Holiday weekend. Karlan Grant, Chris Mepham, and Tammer Bany have returned to training, but Grant and Mepham are not expected to be available until the Preston match the following Saturday. Key players Jed Wallace and Mikey Johnston continue to be sidelined due to injuries, leaving options in wide areas limited for manager James Morrison.
Tactical Dilemmas for Morrison
Morrison faces a fascinating tactical decision regarding the left side of his team. In the recent match at Ewood Park, he deployed Callum Styles in left midfield with loanee Charlie Taylor at left-back. The question now is whether to stick with this setup against Millwall or consider alternatives such as teenage duo Ollie Bostock or Villa loan youngster Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba.
This decision is complicated by Millwall's potent right flank, featuring electric winger Femi Azeez—a nominee for the division's player of the season—and right-back Tristan Crama, who has provided assists. Azeez's pace against Taylor could be a concern, potentially influencing Morrison to opt for a more defensive approach.
Attack and Defensive Considerations
Another area of deliberation for Morrison is his front two. Recent pairings have included Aune Heggebo and Josh Maja, but there is scope to introduce Daryl Dike for a powerful option. This could be particularly useful against Millwall's towering defensive duo of Jake Cooper and former West Brom youngster Caleb Taylor, known as the 'Land of the Giants' in defence.
For defensive stability, Morrison might lean towards continuing with Styles and Taylor on the left, alongside Isaac Price on the right. Price's defensive running could provide additional security in front of Styles at left-back, helping to counter Azeez's threat.
Predicted Lineup and Substitutes
Based on current analysis, the predicted lineup for West Brom is a 4-4-2 formation: Max O'Leary in goal; Danny Imray, Nat Phillips, George Campbell, and Charlie Taylor in defence; Isaac Price, Ousmane Diakite, Jayson Molumby, and Callum Styles in midfield; with Aune Heggebo and Josh Maja up front.
Substitutes are expected to include Griffiths (gk), Gilchrist, Mowatt, Whitwell, Mustapha, Jimoh-Aloba, Bostock, Dike, and Sule. These selections reflect Morrison's need to balance defensive solidity with attacking options in a match that could define both teams' seasons.
