[long_read]
Jimmy Shan is set to manage his third game in caretaker charge of West Bromwich Albion tomorrow evening.
It could potentially be his final fixture at the helm of the ahead of any potential decision the club’s hierarchy make between the final whistle, and their next match after the Blues clash.
West Brom have won their last two matches since the sacking of Darren Moore with the slightest hope of still making second spot still alive.
That does look a little too far to obtain, with a play-off berth looking more and more likely.
Friday evening sees Garry Monk’s points-deducted Birmingham side travel to the Hawthorns hoping to stall the train that is Shan’s momentum.
Not only are three points on offer for the victors, but bragging rights, too.
With that said, this is the XI than Shan should operate with tomorrow evening.
[snack_break title="GK: Sam Johnstone"]
The ever-present in goal for the Baggies this season has been impressive and will retain his place in the side this weekend.
[snack_break title="RB: Mason Holgate"]
The Everton loanee has had a stellar set of performances since breaking into the team at the Hawthorns, and he will be hoping to emulate those tomorrow.
[snack_break title="CB: Craig Dawson"]
One of the Baggies’ most consistent performers of the season has formed a fantastic partnership with the man he should line up with tomorrow.
[snack_break title="CB: Ahmed Hegazi"]
Touted for a summer move away, Hegazi has been spectacular this term and Shan should offer this man the chance to start again against Birmingham City.
[snack_break title="LB: Conor Townsend"]
Kieran Gibbs is due to be fit again for the visit of the Blues, but Conor Townsend has been on favour under Shan and could well retain his place despite Gibbs’ potential return.
[snack_break title="RCM: James Morrison"]
Another called into action under Shan, Morrison has been impressive since a return to the first-team under Shan.
[snack_break title="CM: Chris Brunt"]
Brunt has been impressive recently and will surely play this weekend in a rejuvenated Baggies outfit.
[snack_break title="LCM: Stefan Johansen"]
A bit-part player under Darren Moore, he has returned to the team under Shan and has been impressive.
[snack_break title="RF: Matt Phillips"]
An ankle tendon injury has ruled Phillips out since the start of March, and he is in contention to feature this weekend – and should return to the starting line-up for the visit of the Blues.
[snack_break title="LF: Dwight Gayle"]
West Brom’s top scorer has operated out on the left of a front three instead of on the right, and it is expected he keeps his place once more.
[snack_break title="ST: Jay Rodriguez"]
The 29-year-old has been the main man leading the line this season in a front three and Shan has continued that position for the striker and should do so tomorrow evening once again.
[/long_read]