Bournemouth v West Brom: Albion changes considered in caretaker finale

It is - or is at least planned to be - the Baggies' final fixture of the caretaker period, with a new head coach appointment thought to be closing in.

Albion are clear second favourites to progress to the fourth round against a Premier League side sitting seventh and enjoying life under impressive boss Andoni Iraola.

It is clear both sides will make changes for the competition, such is - sadly - where the FA Cup so often falls in the pecking order of modern football priorities.

Certainly Bournemouth, for whom injuries have bit in recent weeks, will hope to make as many alterations as they can and still progress. The Cherries have Premier League quality in their depth and will not be concerned about mixing things up, regardless of recent setbacks in the forward department.

Albion's situation is different somewhat and the Baggies' interim hierarchy will be wary of wholesale changes and the quality they are to face. There is also the respect of the fans travelling to the Vitality Stadium.

The visitors, five-time winners of the competition, will look to make changes but despite it not being a priority will not want to throw the tie.

It leaves Chris Brunt, Damia Abella and Boaz Myhill with a conundrum when they consider Albion's line-up on the south coast. Albion's prospective new man, be it Rene Hake, Raphael Wicky or otherwise, will doubtless be watching on with intrigue.

The Baggies do have squad options lacking on regular Championship minutes. An issue this season has been a lack of impact from the bench and a struggle for form has meant reduced game time for some.

Jed Wallace, Grady Diangana and John Swift have struggled to make the starting XI this term. Skipper Wallace was in from the off at Swansea last time, just a third league start in 26 this season.

Diangana's campaign has been disrupted by injury and Swift has struggled to build on a start to the season as a regular under Carlos Corberan.

It is not certain that all three will be given a run from the off at Bournemouth, but the likelihood is Albion will shuffle their pack. The squad was given a few days off to start this week after the festive run of five games in 14 days.

Striker Devante Cole has been on the periphery all season and whether to rest Josh Maja or Karlan Grant for Cole is an interesting call.

Elsewhere there are perhaps opportunities for central midfielder Uros Racic to return to the fold after a period out of the starting reckoning. Left-back Gianluca Frabotta has hardly been used all season.

Academy graduate Caleb Taylor may get the nod at centre-back after his loan recall from Wycombe, assuming Mason Holgate might shuffle to right-back to hand Darnell Furlong a breather.

But travelling Baggies will not want to see too many alterations when the teamsheet arrives Dean Court at 2pm.

Progress in the competition is clearly not a priority given the challenge of pushing for a top six spot - but a Premier League scalp would be a welcome way for Brunt and co. to sign off.