Ipswich v West Brom preview: Should Darren Moore change a winning formula?

Albion’s 4-1 thrashing over Leeds United was their best performance of the season, and it was built on a direct style of play and a new 4-3-3 formation.

But the question is, did that system work because of the opponents? Or did it work because it played to Albion’s strengths?

The answer probably lies somewhere in the middle.

It was the right system to counter Marcelo Bielsa’s possession-based game, but it was also an approach the squad felt far more comfortable with.

But when Moore was asked if he would replicate it against Ipswich Town, a team at the opposite end of the table, his response was inconclusive.

“Was that a one-off?” he said. “I could well revisit that again, I could revisit the same shape we had at the start of the season.

“This league presents us with different hurdles, and Friday night presents us with a different one. We’ll see which way is the best to go.

“The Leeds game, we got it right, but we may have to change it up again in the future.

“We’ve got to remember we’re playing against opposition that may come with a different style and formation that you’ve got to combat. I’ll look at their details as well as our team.

“Even though the team played as well as they did, if we feel it’s right to adjust the formation or the personnel then I’ll change it.”

He’s right. Rock-bottom Ipswich are going to present a far different test to ‘Bielsa-ball’.

But Moore and his coaching staff should not ignore the messages their own players sent them against Leeds. That was a performance that screamed in favour of what they were being asked to do.

The defenders, in particular, looked far more comfortable in a back four.

But once again, Moore refused to commit himself to one system.

“They’ve played in a back four, a back three and a back five,” he said. “They’ll continue to play those different shapes.”

Hand-in-hand with tactics comes personnel, and if Moore sticks with the same system he employed against Leeds, he will no doubt leave Hal Robson-Kanu in the line-up.

The striker was inspired a fortnight ago and doesn’t deserve to lose his place, but top scorer Dwight Gayle is breathing down his neck.

“It’s nice to know I’ve got those scenarios open to me,” said Moore. “All those players are vying to start the game, we’ll select a team we feel is right to get the job done.

“I’ve chopped and changed the team before this season on the back of a good result. If I deem it fit to change, I will.”

Albion’s inexperienced head coach took a huge step on his managerial journey two weeks ago.

But reverting to old ways could represent two steps back, particularly if it delivers an unsatisfactory result.

Keeping faith in the Leeds approach, regardless of the opposition, looks a far better bet.

Likely line-up:

Subs: Myhill, Mears, Brunt, Field, Barry, Sako, Gayle.

Ipswich (4-3-3): Bialkowski; Spence, Chambers, Pennington, Knudsen; Chalobah, Skuse, Downes; Edwards, Roberts, Sears.

The opposition: Post-Mick era has been tough for Ipswich Town

Five points adrift at the bottom of the Championship – the post Mick McCarthy era has so far been disastrous for Ipswich.

Despite overachieving for years on one of the lowest budgets in the division, the Portman Road faithful fell out of love with Big Mick.

And that led to sweeping changes in the summer – with former Shrewsbury manager Paul Hurst appointed as McCarthy’s successor.

Employed to cherry pick the best players from the lower leagues in a bid to allow the Tractor Boys to compete on the cheap, Hurst was given a substantial war chest following the departures of Martyn Waghorn and Adam Webster.

Waghorn in particular was a huge loss with not a single player registering more goals and assists in the Championship last year.

But Hurst let him go along with fellow forwards Joe Garner and David McGoldrick.

In their place arrived Ellis Harrison and Kayden Jackson from Bristol Rovers and Accrington Stanley respectively.

But while Jackson has two goals, Harrison is yet to score in what has so far been an injury-ravaged campaign.

Winger Gwion Edwards has so far proven Hurst’s best capture of a busy summer with the Welshman a real threat down the right.

But with Hurst winning just one of his opening 14 games, he was sacked in October and promptly replaced by Paul Lambert.

Having had so much success with Norwich, the Scotsman was always going to be a controversial appointment.

But performances have improved significantly since he arrived, with Town leading against both Preston and Reading before then being held to draws.

Lambert though knows it’s wins they need if they are to avoid falling into League One.

And his aim is to get keep Ipswich in the survival race over the next six weeks, before then making changes in January.

On paper it does look bleak. But there are glimmers of hope for Ipswich fans to cling on to.

The squad is full of talented youngsters with Trevoh Chalobah, Andre Dozzell and Flynn Downes all starring for England at youth level.

Luke Chambers also brings experience at the back while Bartosz Białkowski is widely viewed as one of the best keepers in the division.

Lambert is a manager who isn’t afraid to throw in young players so Ipswich’s kids look set to feature more and more.

In a relegation scrap though, that is far from ideal, especially as Ipswich have scored just 14 times in their 17 Championship games. And with the defence having leaked 28 goals, Lambert has got a big job on his hands.

Pie and a pint:

The Station Hotel, opposite the town’s railway station, is the official away fans’ pub. It’s a five-minute walk to the ground. Pies £3.80 at the ground.

Memory lane:

In October 2006, a Kevin Phillips hat-trick and Diomansy Kamara brace saw a rampant Baggies thrash the Tractor Boys 5-1 at Portman Road.

Key man:

Whether he starts or comes on as an impact sub, Dwight Gayle carries Albion’s biggest goal threat. Nine goals so far this season says it all.

Dangerman:

Gwion Edwards

The one signing from lower league that looks to be Championship class, Edwards is real threat on the right of Ipswich’s front three.

Direct and able to carry the ball at the pace, he is a good crosser and currently top scorer on four goals.

The ex-Peterborough man also has good delivery from set-plays.