West Brom v Aldershot Town – Lewis Cox's predicted line-up

The fifth tier visitors are enjoying a fine season. Tommy Widdrington's men are well-placed in eighth, among the play-off hunters, having not troubled a promotion battle back to League Two since 2018. Their Cup adventure started in the fourth qualifying round, in October, and has seen them dispatch non-league Lewes, Swindon – a remarkable 7-4 away success in which they were 7-0 up – and Stockport County in a replay. The two latter scalps both from League Two.

Corberan, meanwhile, has much to ponder for a third round tie against National League opposition for the second season running. His light Baggies squad are stretched and exhausted and Sunday offers an ideal opportunity to freshen up things and offer fringe players, and some youngsters, the chance of important minutes.

Striker Daryl Dike could be back among it after his latest long set-back, a ruptured Achilles in April, but I've left him out of my predicted XI for Sunday and think he will be a bench option, if required, at very best. I've gone with three starters from the New Year's Day defeat at Swansea to be involved from the off again.

3-4-3

Josh Griffiths

Only minutes this season came way back at the start of August in the 2-1 EFL Cup exit at Stoke. The England youth international goalkeeper has needed to bide his time and be patient. He will get his chance here and will be keen to grasp it. Interesting there was interest in Griffiths' services last summer – it remains to be seen if that will return this month.

Martin Kelly

Remains to be seen whether the experienced defender, almost Albion's forgotten man, will be given a run out but he has been back training for around a month now after an ACL knee injury. Kelly hasn't played since last February, when he suffered the serious injury on his debut for loan club Wigan. An appearance here would be a big boost for the former Liverpool youngster. I've selected him on the right of a back three.

Caleb Taylor

Like Griffiths, promising young defender Taylor has had to bide his time. Has had just four minutes of league action aside from that Potteries tie in August. With Semi Ajayi away for African Cup of Nations, though, there is more chance for Taylor to be required this month.

Erik Pieters

The experienced Dutchman's game time has begun to dwindle in recent months. He went from being a regular in the side to no start since the win at Coventry in late October. In fact, some minutes at Swansea last Monday were his first since then, as Albion have generally played a back four.

Pipa

No shortage of intrigue among the Baggies fanbase around what Pipa can possibly bring to the side, but he's been kept out by Darnell Furlong for more or less the entirety of his loan so far. Has been emergency left wing of late, even an attacking midfielder, but I hope he gets a run at right wing-back here.

Nathaniel Chalobah

A sure-fire selection to earn a call in the middle of the park, Chalobah is the only of Albion's four natural central midfielders to not enjoy regular minutes, and some starts, in recent weeks.

Jayson Molumby

One of the Swansea starters to stay in. Irishman Molumby had to bide his time until a month or so ago and has started a handful of games since. He should have the energy to go again. Hopefully OK after injections in his foot last time out.

Conor Townsend

Just due to a lack of suitable options for a wing-back role – I've stuck Adam Reach further forward – I think Townsend might be asked to go again. The vice-captain can add some useful experience and come off early if required. There is a possible youth option in Josh Shaw, if available.

Tom Fellows

Albion's standout performer in his full league debut under Corberan last time out. Youngster Fellows was always going to be in from the off in this one – he is now a strong contender to start league games, but will relish this chance too.

Jovan Malcolm

Recalled from a disappointing loan spell in League One with Cheltenham, a blow for all parties. But Malcolm, 21, at least has an option to be involved here, with a lack of bodies otherwise and colleagues out on loan. He featured for Albion at Stoke in the EFL Cup, meaning another EFL loan is impossible this term due to the two-club rule. Could be in line for a National League loan at the end of the month.

Adam Reach

I'd have Reach flank Malcolm on Albion's left, where I think he could cause problems for the non-league Shots. We know about Reach's versatility, he has endured an awful four or five months since surgery but was bright in cameos against Leeds and Swansea.