West Brom vs Luton: Big chance for fringe players to stake claim
Cup competitions took on added significance towards the end of Albion’s eight-year stay in the Premier League, when the slog for survival grew stale.
But as the Baggies attempt to mount a promotion tilt in the Championship, priorities lie in the nuts and bolts of the league campaign.
With that in mind, Darren Moore is expected to give several squad members a chance to impress against Luton Town tonight.
Although it’s important to keep the momentum of the past two games going, after a hectic opening three-game week of the season, fatigue needs to be controlled.
Fringe players like Oliver Burke, Hal Robson-Kanu, Sam Field and Gareth Barry could all start.
Conor Townsend is likely to make his full debut at left-back after replacing the injured Kieran Gibbs on Saturday, and Tosin Adarabioyo could also return to the line-up.
But this shouldn’t just be written off as a second string game.
Albion may have won on Saturday, but there are still plenty of problem areas that need addressing.
Kyle Bartley and Ahmed Hegazi need to work on their partnership at the back, although Moore could use this game to try and reintegrate Craig Dawson to the team.
He is also set to look at his options in central midfield in order to give Chris Brunt and Jake Livermore a rest.
Although that pair improved after half-time at Carrow Road, tonight could provide a chance for Sam Field to stake a claim.
The 20-year-old is eager to play football, and Albion have received a number of loan offers for him, but Moore is keen to keep him at the club.
“Sam’s done really well,” said Moore. “He’s had a couple of thigh injuries in pre-season that halted game time. The problem is he’s missed games.
“Sam’s fit and well now, he’s involved in the squad.
“Do I see him away from the club (on loan)? No, I see him involved in the group.
“Sam’s a very good player, one that has come through our academy and we’re delighted to see him at the stature and maturity of he is.”
Youngsters who impressed in pre-season like Rekeem Harper and Kyle Edwards could get their chance off the bench, depending on how the game is going.
“Rekeem’s been absolutely superb,” said Moore. “He’s a boy in a man’s body really.
“Kyle Edwards has come of age a bit, just like Sam and Jonathan (Leko). I’m hoping all four will have the appetite to break into the team and when the opportunity does come, they grab it.”
But the most intriguing aspect of tonight’s game will be whether either Dawson or Nacer Chadli feature.
“They’re in the squad,” said Moore. “Whether they’ll be involved remains to be seen. We’ll see where they are in terms of fitness.”
Albion's under-23s drew their first game of the season 1-1 with Newcastle U23s at the Palm training ground yesterday.
Likely Line-up:
Albion: (4-4-1-1): Myhill, Adarabioyo, Bartley, Hegazi, Townsend, Burke, Field, Barry, Barnes, Morrison, Robson-Kanu.
Subs: Bond, Nyom, Dawson, Brunt, Harper, Edwards, Gayle.
Luton: (4-4-2): Stech, Stacey, Sheehan, Bradley, Potts; Grant, Rea, Shinnie, Mpanzu; Jarvis, Collins.
The Boss says:
'This team is in a clear transition. As well as goal scoring prowess it’s about getting it right at the other end, being more solid and resolute at the back.'
Memory Lane:
In September 1997, Albion beat Luton 4-2 at The Hawthorns in the second round of the League Cup. Paul Peschisolido scored twice in front of 7,227 fans
Key Man:
It’s a big chance for Oliver Burke to stake a claim in the side, because the £15m man has been sidelined so far by great starts from Phillips and Barnes.
