West Brom v Burnley predicted line-up: Who starts with Aune Heggebo banned?

It forces boss James Morrison into a change he likely would not have otherwise considered for a tough Hawthorns curtain-raiser against the Clarets.

It is the second weekend running preparation for a Championship clash has been scuppered by the surprise loss of a key option after Alex Mowatt’s departure on the eve of Norwich.

Prior to the Heggebo bombshell, my consideration for changes from the Norwich starting line-up had been around the midfield and in wide areas.

My expectation was that Jayson Molumby would be given the nod in midfield after his impact from the bench at Carrow Road last week.

I thought that would have been in place of Felix Horn Myhre, who started last weekend and did well without the ball but was not given the time to get on the ball and play.

My expectation was that, for calibre of opponents like Burnley, Horn Myhre would move out towards the right in place of Harry Whitwell, with the academy graduate youngster being the unfortunate omission after doing little wrong.

But those plans are rather out the window now off the back of the FA’s ban on Heggebo.

I now suspect Whitwell may keep his place out towards the right of Morrison’s midfield, and Horn Myhre will instead push a little further forward.

I now see the Norwegian almost as an extra, more advanced midfielder, using his energy in a support role for lone striker Jimmy-Jay Morgan. It will be tough on Horn Myhre but he can show he has the engine and hopefully get in good areas. He will also have the stability of both Molumby and Ousmane Diakite behind him, as well as Isaac Price in support to the left.

Otherwise the backline picks itself.

Albion are at home, but Burnley will arrive with the expectation of a lot of the ball. I feel this set-up gives Albion lots of legs to keep them under pressure.

See Baggies correspondent Lewis Cox’s predicted line-up below:

4-4-1-1

Max O’Leary

Nolan Galves

Nat Phillips

George Campbell

Callum Styles

Harry Whitwell

Jayson Molumby

Ousmane Diakite

Isaac Price

Felix Horn Myhre

Jimmy-Jay Morgan

Substitutes: Ingram (gk), Mepham, Bielik, Williams, Townsend, Deeming, Johnston, Nzingoula, Stewart.