Reach axed & “bright” 20 y/o gem starts as Bruce makes 3 changes in WBA predicted XI - opinion

West Brom have been in horrendous form, picking up just one point from their last seven games, and new manager Steve Bruce will be hoping that he can capitalise on Hull City’s inconsistency to seal all three points when his side travel to Humberside this afternoon.

Despite the injury picture remaining mostly unchanged, with Daryl Dike, Matt Phillips and Kenneth Zohore all still unavailable for selection, the former Newcastle boss will be able to bring more experience back into the side, with Jake Livermore returning from suspension for the match against the Tigers.

With that in mind, here is how Football FanCast expect to see West Brom line up against Hull today…

We expect to see three changes to the team which lost 2-0 to Swansea City on Monday night, as Bruce has hinted at making a few changes in his pre-match press conference.

The first change we expect to see is the addition of Taylor Gardner-Hickman in the backline for his first starting appearance since the 61-year-old was appointed as Albion manager last month. The 20-year-old – who was hailed as “bright” by Chris Lepkowski – was handed a permanent contract by the club at the end of 2021 after impressing former Baggies manager Valerien Ismael.

If Bruce’s comments are anything to go by, the youngster will get his opportunity to impress once again today against Hull City, with the Albion boss telling the press on Friday: “Certainly, he will get his opportunity and he is right in my thoughts for tomorrow.”

The second change we predict is the return of Livermore in the starting XI, returning from suspension following a four-match ban due to receiving his second red card of the season.

The 32-year-old worked with his current manager, coincidentally at Hull, and it