WBA: Predicted XI & injury news v Reading

Today sees West Bromwich Albion take on Reading in both teams’ penultimate match of the regular Championship season.

To be frank, neither team has anything much to play for, with Reading now mathematically safe and West Brom nowhere near the play-off places.

However, having had his future cleared up, Baggies manager Steve Bruce will not see it that way and will instead be looking for some inspired performances from his players, who will be looking to build some momentum to take into next season.

Should Zac Ashworth start today?

In terms of injuries, Conor Townsend is a doubt for today, but luckily it is not through injury, with the 29-year-old on standby to attend the birth of his child, which is due any day now.

According to Bruce, Albion academy graduate Zac Ashworth will be in the squad, with the 19-year-old likely to take Townsend’s place, as per West Brom News.

Baggies fans will be glad to know that there are no new injury concerns heading into the match against Paul Ince’s side.

With the latest news in mind, here is how we at Football Fan Cast expect West Bromwich Albion to line up against Reading today.

West Brom XI – Button; Ajayi, O’Shea, Clarke; Reach, Livermore, Molumby, Ashworth; Gardner-Hickman; Carroll, Grant

We expect the team to line-up in a 3-4-1-2 formation.

Our prediction sees just one change from the side which started against Coventry City last time out, with 19-year-old academy graduate Ashworth – who has been dubbed “excellent” by Joe Chapman – coming in for the “dependable” Townsend, in the words of Kieran Doody.

With nothing to play for in these last two games, Bruce can afford to give youth prospects like Ashworth an opportunity to assert himself in the Baggies’ first-team.

Up top, Andy Carroll will be hoping to make the manager rue the decision over his contract renewal if he is to start today, with the 33-year-old set to be released at the end of the season after it was reported by The Athletic that Bruce would not offer him a new contract.

In other news: West Brom now eyeing move for “super” £42k-p/w ace, supporters will love it…