Derby County v West Brom: Eric Ramsay focused on in-game actions as opposed to shape changes

The new head coach's 3-4-3 formation involving wing-backs has drawn debate from Albion fans given the use of Mikey Johnston and Isaac Price in unfamiliar right wing-back roles. The Baggies were humiliated in a 5-0 home defeat by the Canaries in midweek and Ramsay faces a huge job to lift spirits and performance levels with a reaction needed at Pride Park.

But Ramsay is less concerned about system issues and believes he has seen enough - particularly in his first game, the last-gasp Middlesbrough defeat - to show the shape can be effective.

"It wouldn't be a point that I would labour but the framework of a competitive performance was there the other day," Ramsay said.

"I'm not going to be a coach that just stands up here and talks all that often about stats and data and xG (expected goals) but if you look at that stat in particular over the course of the last two games it's been very even.

"That points particularly the other night, where the opposition score five goals from an xG of less than one, to moments and momentum.

"So I don't have huge worries in any way about tactical framework or system and I won't get too drawn in on that."

He said: "What I am concerned about is how we manage swings and momentum, how we start to feel positive, how that positivity amounts to us handling critical moments better.

"Because that (Norwich) game in that sense was a real anomaly and I think if we can get past that we can capture some of what I felt was very good about the first performance and I know that there's a framework there."

Ramsay pointed to different styles and challenges of each opponent ahead of a testing physical battle against John Eustace's Rams, a boss previously thought to have an interest in the Albion hotseat.

But the head coach - who has so far stressed his desire for "clarity" for players and fans - added he does not expect to make sweeping changes to his side's plan based on opponents.

"With there being so many games we have to find that balance between becoming the team that we want to be irrespective of what the opposition do," Ramsay said.

"But also taking into consideration that playing against Norwich at home is very different to playing against Derby away so what I don't want over the course of a full season is to see 46 different versions of ourselves according to the opposition.

"I want there to be a real solidity, a real assurance as to what we're doing and a big part of my focus at the moment is making sure that we get that so we're not going to see huge swings from game to game in terms of how the team plays because ultimately I have a vision for the team that I think will stand the team in good stead in the long run."

Albion have midfielder Ousmane Diakite back in contention after a period of compassionate leave. Jayson Molumby (calf) and Alex Mowatt (foot) returned as substitutes in midweek and Ramsay is hopeful the duo are closer to pushing to start.