West Brom Vs Sheffield United - EFL Cup 2022

As Albion prepares to face Championship rivals Sheffield United this evening, head coach Steve Bruce plans some changes.

This week’s second 8 pm game at the Hawthorns will begin Bruce’s men’s busy schedule leading to the World Cup break in November.

In an attempt to give first-team regulars a breather ahead of Sunday’s trip to Blackburn, the Baggies boss will likely change the side that impressed against Watford on Monday.

Okay Yokuslu is likely to get his first start since returning to Albion on Monday after playing 15 minutes against the Hornets.

The squad will include Kyle Bartley, Alex Mowatt – a loan target for Middlesbrough – Adam Reach, Matty Phillips, and Callum Robinson, who is back after injury. The 26-year-old Palmer could begin in goal on his 26th birthday.

In a first-round match against the Blades that will go straight to penalties if level after 90 minutes, Taylor Gardner-Hickman was left out of the 18 against Watford. Among the young players who may get a call are full-back Zac Ashworth, striker Reyes Cleary, fellow under-23s Mo Faal, Tom Fellows, Rico Richards, and Jamie Andrews.

Bruce said Yokuslu would perform. On the bench (at Watford), all players who needed to play will play. One or two youngsters will be introduced.

As far as I know, it’s normal. It would make sense that most clubs would do the same thing, so I will play all who need to play.”

A bit unfortunate, Gardner-Hickman will play despite missing out because of Robinson’s return. When he returns, he’ll be able to play more attacking football.

It’s a pleasure to have Robbo back in the squad, he’s back in, and he’s fit again.”.

The unfortunate thing is that he (Zohore) pulled up one week ago and also picked up an injury. Unfortunately, he hasn’t done enough physical training yet to get to that position, so he must train consistently for a sustained period.”

A delightful performance by Cleary for Albion’s under-23s led to the manager grinning about the prospect of a future with the 18-year-old player: “Why not? He scored twice against Newcastle on Tuesday.”

In the Carabao Cup tie on Tuesday night, nine Championship clubs lost to lower-ranked opponents and were eliminated.

Due to the chaotic schedule, the competition will likely take even less importance in the early rounds.

With the number of fixtures we’ve got, it would be madness not to do what we’re doing. If we beat Sheffield United, that’s another one.

There will be 13 games in the first few weeks. If we play three games weekly, the injury rate increases by 600%. Players can play daily if they wish, but they won’t play with the intensity tonight.

Some capable players are sitting on our bench. We’ll use them.” I need to rotate the players who have to play and all those who need to play.”