West Brom star ruled out v Portsmouth, Mowbray confirms changes to XI.

Tony Mowbray has stated that West Brom will be without Kyle Bartley when they face Portsmouth on Saturday.

According to Steve Hermon of BBC WM (24 January), Mowbray has indicated that Albion will be missing the experienced centre-half for the visit of Pompey on Saturday (25 January), with alterations to the starting lineup also expected. Bartley hasn’t played since New Year’s Day against Preston, and he’s joined on the sidelines by Josh Maja and Daryl Dike, all of whom have long-term injuries. The Baggies defeated Portsmouth 3-0 the previous time they met, and will be encouraged by John Mousinho’s side’s terrible recent road record. Hermon stated, “Albion will be without Kyle Bartley again this weekend. “Tony Mowbray told us there might be a few alterations to this side, but he didn’t elaborate.

“Also, Josh Maja has had his operation and Daryl Dike remains on a phased return to training programme.”

West Brom look to get back on track v Portsmouth

West Brom will be confident of getting the essential result against a Portsmouth side that has only won once away from home in the league all season. Pompey have a good recent home record but have struggled on the road, and Mowbray will be looking for his first win in charge as he returns to The Hawthorns for the first time in nearly 16 years. The Baggies were defeated by Mowbray’s boyhood club Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium on Tuesday (21 January), a harsh loss given both clubs’ identical top-six objectives this season.

West Brom misses players like Bartley, who has been a key component of their strong defensive performances in recent years, and Maja, whose goal-scoring numbers speak for themselves. The Albion’s final match of January will be against bottom-of-the-table Plymouth Argyle on February 1.

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