With everything that has been going on the last day or so with Carlos Corberan potentially leaving us after two years of service at The Baggies, it has not come at the right time as our build up is now on the festive period as we travel to Derby County on Boxing Day.
Carlos Corberan could not be managing this game as we travel to Derby on Boxing Day for a tea time clash, but he has done a remarkable job in the past two seasons after taking us from 24th when he came in to the verge of the play offs on the last day of the season then guiding us to 5th in his first full season in charge and missing out with a 3-1 defeat to Southampton in the 2nd leg in May and currently in 7th just level on points with Middlesbrough at the half way point of the season.
Richard Beale could be managing this clash and it has changed my overall outcome on this fixture and I believe Derby would be a difficult place to come to without a manager for this fixture, My focus would be on the game at 5:30PM on Boxing Day and would be supporting the Baggies to get the win on the road.
Player To Watch – Derby
Nathaniel Mendez-Laing is my player to watch when Derby County face us on Boxing Day. While his recent form has seen a dip in goals, his overall impact on the team remains significant. Known for his pace and directness, Mendez-Laing excels at driving at defenses and creating opportunities for his teammates.
Against the Baggies on Boxing Day, his ability to stretch the opposition and exploit gaps could be a vital weapon in Derby’s arsenal. Whether through a decisive cross or a moment of individual brilliance, Mendez-Laing has the tools to make the difference in tight matches.
For West Brom, keeping Mendez-Laing quiet will be a key objective. His tendency to operate in wide areas and cut inside poses a dual threat that defenders need to manage carefully. If given space, he can be devastating on the break, making him particularly dangerous in transitions. Neutralizing his influence will not only disrupt Derby’s rhythm but also allow West Brom to impose their own game more effectively. It’s a matchup that could prove pivotal to the outcome, as Mendez-Laing’s contributions often serve as a barometer for Derby’s attacking success.
Player To Watch – West Brom
Another West Brom player to watch in this Boxing Day clash is Mikey Johnston, who signed for £3 million from Celtic earlier this season. The winger has quickly impressed with his skill, agility, and ability to inject creativity into West Brom’s attacking play. Johnston’s direct approach, combined with his technical flair, makes him a constant menace for opposition defenders. His ability to glide past opponents and deliver pinpoint crosses or cutting passes adds a dynamic edge to the Baggies’ forward line.
Against Derby County, Johnston’s presence on the wing could be a decisive factor. His pace and trickery are well-suited to exploiting any defensive lapses, and his eye for goal makes him more than just a provider. With Derby likely to focus on key threats like Jed Wallace, Johnston could benefit from extra space to operate and influence the game. As West Brom looks to secure a strong result, Johnston’s ability to step up in big moments could prove crucial.
Line Up V Derby County
Going with a 3-2-3-2 where I be playing 3 at the back with Heggem, Bartley and Holgate with Mowatt and Molumby in midfield, in attack I play 5 with Johnston, Fellows and Swift behind Josh Maja and Karlan Grant trying to add more goals against the Rams.
Predictions V Derby County
A difficult prediction if Carlos Corberan is due to leave the Baggies for Valencia it be tough or he could be in the dugout for this one for the last time as La Liga is on a Winter Break till the 3rd January, so he could have a farewell but according to media he could be at Valencia already but I do hope he is our manager for one final time and give us a farewell party at Pride Park or at Bramall Lane 3 days later.
I say we try and attack against Derby and we would get a early goal from Karlan Grant that gives us a 1-0 lead in the first 15 minutes. Then near the break Derby would score from a corner with an Curtis Nelson head to equalise the score at half time.
In the second half I feel Nathaniel Mendez-Laing would put Derby ahead early on in the second half to put misery to the Baggies supporters as we cannot perform well away from home, but it won’t last as with 5 minutes to go we get a penalty as Mikey Johnston would be taken down and the ref would put at the spot with Josh Maja taking the kick to make it 2-2.
The Baggies would try to get the winner through Devante Cole again but would hit the crossbar and out for a late Derby goalkick that would see us get our 12th draw of the league season.
Prediction: Derby 2-2 West Brom
Goalscorers for Derby: Curtis Nelson, Nathaniel Mendez-Laing
Goalscorers for West Brom: Karlan Grant, Josh Maja (P)
I don’t feel this a going to be a confident game for us and a draw at Derby would beckon if Carlos Corberan set to leave us for Valencia, this is a game we would try and get a result at but I don’t believe we would get nothing but a 2-2 draw here away from home.