West Bromwich Albion
Opinion: Carlos Corberan must reinstate West Brom star to starting XI for decisive Preston tie
West Brom head into the final game of the season with a play-off spot yet to be confirmed amid their recent dip in form.
The Baggies have sat 5th in the Championship table for the majority of the season, but a late blip has seen them drop to 6th, putting their play-off hopes in danger on the final day.
West Brom are two points ahead of Hull City in 7th, and their better goal difference means a draw will likely be enough to confirm a top-six place. However, three defeats on the trot, coupled with Hull City’s recent form, means Carlos Corberan’s side will end the regular season with some unexpected nerves.
Among those who must be considered for a start against the Lilywhites is West Brom livewire Tom Fellows.
### Back in the XI
Fellows was often used off the bench in the first half of the season, but a fantastic start to 2024 saw the young winger earn a place in Corberan’s starting XI. He’s offered a dangerous presence down the right and has chipped in with five goals and four assists overall.
However, for the past two games, Fellows has dropped to the West Brom bench.
Grady Diangana was preferred out wide against Leicester City, while Matt Phillips started against Sheffield Wednesday. It means 20-year-old Fellows has been limited to substitute outings.
Amid a dip in form, West Brom could do with an injection of youthful exuberance, and their academy prospect provides that in abundance. He’s a lively and direct threat on the wing, and unlike plenty of other young players at this level, he’s already proven he’s got an end product too.
Reintroducing him to the starting lineup could give that extra injection of pace and intensity that the Baggies need to get over the line in the playoff fight.
Fellows could cause havoc for a Preston side with nothing to play for and amid their recent struggles, Corberan might be wise to change things up a bit by bringing him in.
The more experienced Phillips could be preferred in a game with a lot at stake, while Jed Wallace and Diangana are options out wide. However, Fellows’ fearlessness could be just what West Brom need amid these late-season jitters.
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