As the club’s new owners oversee their first transfer window, there was always hope
: Plymouth Argyle vs. West Bromwich Albion: lineups, team news, and predictions Written by Senior Reporter Darren Plant Posted at 11:30 on September 19, 2024 Updated at 11:04 on September 19, 2024. On Saturday afternoon, West Bromwich Albion will visit Plymouth Argyle in an attempt to hold onto the top spot in the Championship standings. As for the visitors at The Hawthorns, they open the upcoming series in 16th place, which is a respectable beginning for head coach Wayne Rooney. West Brom would get off to a strong start in 2024–25. Nevertheless, only one new player has started in the Championship this year, with Carlos Corberan managing to name the same starting lineup five times in a row. This seems to have paid off, as West Brom have racked up 13 points from their opening five games and have only lost in a goalless draw at home against Leeds United. Keeping Josh Maja healthy could be crucial, as the forward has already tallied five goals and one assist from his attacking appearances.
The 25-year-old scored in the opening minute of the previous game against Portsmouth, and Alex Mowatt added two more goals at halftime to lead the team to a commanding 3-0 victory at Fratton Park. With just two goals allowed, West Brom has the best defensive record in the division. By comparison, Plymouth has allowed nine goals in the same amount of time. Under Rooney, the Pilgrims had not won in the Championship until they pulled off one of the most unexpected upsets of the season, defeating Sunderland 3-2 to lose their perfect record. Even though two of their three goals came from penalties and an own goal, Home Park deserves praise for their impressive second-half comeback.
Plymouth had previously gone six halves of football without finding the back of the net, there now being intrigue over whether Rooney will release the handbrake on the back of last weekend’s success.
Corberan hasn’t altered his Championship starting lineup yet this year, but Mikey Johnston might get a start on the Baggies’ left wing. If such were the case, Karlan Grant would be the player to withdraw, but it would not be shocking if the attacker retained his position. Jed Wallace, Grady Diangana, and Uros Racic, among others, are expected to stay on the replacements’ bench. Rooney might also select an unaltered Plymouth team, but Ryan Hardie should undoubtedly start over Michael Obafemi. Rami Al Hajj might someday be able to start for this team, but for the time being, he might be one of the replacements.
Palmer, Furlong, Ajayi, Bartley, Heggem; Molumby, Mowatt; Fellows, Swift, Grant; Maja are possible starters for West Bromwich Albion. Possible starting lineup for Plymouth Argyle: Grimshaw; Randell, Gyabi; Whittaker, Wright, Cissoko; Hardie; Edwards, Szucs, Gibson, Mumba
