Whitwell dropped? The West Brom XI that Morrison must play v Burnley | OneFootball

FLW lists the West Brom XI James Morrison should pick against Burnley.

West Brom will be looking to build on their first Championship victory of the 2026-27 season when they host Burnley this Sunday lunchtime.

The Baggies secured a 2-1 win away at Norwich City to kickstart their campaign under James Morrison, with a controversial goal from Aune Heggebo, paired with Jimmy-Jay Morgan’s stunning solo effort, ensured all three points made their way back to the Black Country.

It was a welcome win for the Baggies given their tough start on paper to the campaign, with Morrison’s men going on to host Burnley this coming weekend, with the Clarets coming off the back of a brilliant comeback draw against fellow promotion candidates West Ham.

It’s another early marker for Albion to see how they will fare against a side who are expected to be towards the top end of the table, while the atmosphere is expected to be a raucous one given the positive changes made to the West Brom playing squad so far this summer.

And with the Baggies gearing up for their meeting with the Clarets, FLW lists the XI James Morrison should field this weekend.

GK: Max O’Leary

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Starting off between the sticks, Max O’Leary has done more than enough to keep his place.

The 29-year-old’s heroics played a massive part in Albion’s win at Carrow Road, with the shot-stopper making seven saves and even grabbing an assist for their second goal of the afternoon.

The Baggies will hope to concede fewer chances than they did in East Anglia, but in another tough test, they will have to rely on their goalkeeper to step up in big moments.

RB: Nolan Galves

With the lack of competition at right-back, Nolan Galves is almost a shoo-in into the Albion XI at the moment, but the Frenchman will need more games under his belt to get used to the hustle and bustle of the Championship.

The defender found it difficult at times on his second tier debut, albeit against tricky opposition, but will undoubtedly grow as a player the more minutes he gets.

CB: Nat Phillips

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The heart of the West Brom defence more than played their part in earning three points at Carrow Road, with Nat Phillips putting his body on the line as usual.

Phillips made 12 defensive contributions in Albion’s first win of the season, with some crucial challenges and blocks ensuring the visitors stayed strong despite relentless pressure.

Such a key player in Albion’s backline, Phillips should get the nod again.

CB: George Campbell

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George Campbell was even more active in the backline, with the club captain making 15 defensive contributions against Norwich.

While his distribution of the ball may have had Albion fans' hearts in their mouths at times, there was nothing to criticise about his defensive work, with Campbell proving why he has been tasked to lead his teammates with the armband.

Forming a solid partnership, Campbell should be in line to partner Phillips once again.

LB: Callum Styles

Rounding off the backline should be Callum Styles, whose industrious play was effective again in their season opener.

Styles notched the pre-assist for Albion’s opening goal of the afternoon, while his endeavor and non-stop running was valuable to the Baggies picking up a crucial first three points.

Therefore, the Hungarian international should once again get the nod ahead of Conor Townsend.

CM: Ousmane Diakite

Heading into midfield, Ousmane Diakite should be utilised once again.

To the eye, Diakite was one of Albion’s poorer players against Norwich, with some slack passing putting the visitors under the cosh more than they would have liked, so the levels will have to be upped in that department this weekend.

But there’s no doubt the Malian brings energy and the physicality needed to win the midfield battle against a top outfit, and provided he shakes off the knock that forced him off at Carrow Road, he should remain in Morrison’s starting XI.

CM: Rabby Nzingoula

Diakite could get a new partner in midfield, with Rabby Nzingoula potentially in line to receive a full home debut after impressing off the bench at Norwich.

In his 22-minute Championship debut, Nzingoula was full of energy and intent, while showing flashes of quality on the ball that will leave Albion fans excited by what’s to come.

Clearly a talented player by playing French top-flight football at the age of 18, the now 20-year-old would also add much-needed guile to the Baggies’ midfield, while Albion will also need some quality to transition the ball up the pitch – something Nzingoula has the attributes to provide.

In a box-to-box role, Nzingoula could really announce himself to The Hawthorns crowd against Burnley, and it will be intriguing to see whether he’s handed that opportunity on Sunday.

AM: Isaac Price

Moving into attacking midfield and Isaac Price is expected to start again.

Playing the whole game at Norwich, Price offered unwavering energy to pressure the Canaries’ backline and midfield, while an opening day goal of the campaign was cruelly denied as he struck the crossbar in the second half.

With Albion needing to have more shots and score more goals, Price could be key to that coming to fruition, and he will play an important role in making the Burnley backline uncomfortable.

AM: Felix Horn Myhre

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It’s safe to say Felix Horn Myhre didn’t have his best Championship debut for Albion at Carrow Road, but he’s another player that will need time to adapt to such a demanding league.

He was thrown in at the deep end by dropping into central midfield to cover the late sale of Alex Mowatt to Derby County too, so it was somewhat a baptism of fire for the Norwegian, although one that he will view as a positive experience.

But given Nzingoula showed excellent pace, strength and quality on the ball, you do think the Frenchman would be more suited to a deeper-lying role, with Myhre benefiting from being in more advanced positions to help supply the forward line.

Harry Whitwell also struggled in attacking midfield at Norwich and was replaced after 68 minutes, so James Morrison could well look to add a bit more of a senior figure to help combat Sunday’s test.

ST: Jimmy-Jay Morgan

Jimmy-Jay Morgan backed up his impressive performances in pre-season and in the Carabao Cup on his second tier opener, having a hand in both of West Brom’s goals last weekend.

The former Chelsea man teed up strike partner Heggebo by flashing a quality ball across the penalty area with his weaker left foot, while he showed a tremendous amount of composure to lash in their second goal, getting him off the mark for the new campaign.

If Albion are to have enough ammunition at the top end of the pitch this season, then Morgan’s quality is going to be paramount, while it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him dazzle the Albion faithful and give the Burnley defence headaches on his Hawthorns bow.