West Brom predicted XI vs Birmingham City as Steve Bruce toys with one change

West Bromwich Albion make the short journey across the West Midlands to Birmingham City on Sunday as the domestic schedule picks up again following the merciful culmination of the international break.

Albion are unbeaten in four matches, though it took a late equaliser from Adam Reach to salvage a result at Bristol City last time out. In truth, that point at Ashton Gate masked what was otherwise a generally poor performance, something that was particularly frustrating after how well the side performed as a collective the previous Tuesday against Fulham.

Steve Bruce, heading back to his old club, revealed that the Baggies had only 11 fit players over the course of the international break while the remainder continued to receive medical treatment, or went off to represent their respective countries around the world.

Semi Ajayi, Callum Robinson, Jayson Molumby, Dara O’Shea, Sam Johnstone and Taylor Gardner-Hickman were all away, while Daryl Dike, Kenneth Zohore, Kean Bryan and Matty Phillips continue to go through the various stages of rehabilitation as they all bid to make successful recoveries from their various injury set-backs.

With the aforementioned internationals returning safe and sound, and Bruce unable to welcome back any of those who are injured back into the fold, it’s pretty much as you were prior to the break when they pitch up at Blues.

It was a skinny group that Bruce and his coaching staff worked with over the last fortnight in the absence of Championship action. Aside from the academy players, many of whom Bruce has been able to keep a keen eye on in PL2 games and also in first-team training, the number of senior heads were thin on the ground and will be boosted by the returning travellers.

David