Express & Star

What is Tony Mowbray's strongest West Brom line-up?

West Brom came out of the transfer window stronger than when they went into it.

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Heading into the the transfer market, Albion needed a forward. That search intensified after an injury to Josh Maja that has ruled the forward out until March.

As they emerged from deadline day, they had added not one but two strikers, with Adam Armstrong the headline capture.

And they had brought in two young and promising midfielders in the form of Isaac Price and Tammer Bany. Fans are yet to see Bany in action, but the other three impressed in Albion's first game since the window on Saturday against Sheffield Wednesday.

The additions have now given Tony Mowbray food for thought and options at his disposal. He showed on Saturday that his selections may well be with a horses for courses approach, depending on the opposition.

But what represents his strongest side? Jonny Drury looks at the options available and gives his opinions

As it currently stands, Mowbray does still have some key players out injured in Daryl Dike, Josh Maja and Semi Ajayi, as well as Kyle Bartley who is serving a three game suspension.

But he still has so many options. The question of what is his best side starts with the system. For much of the campaign, we have seen a 4-2-3-1, but the shackles have been let off and on Saturday that moved to a 4-3-3. Albion looked comfortable in it, and it seemed to be something that had worked on.

With that in mind, I'll go with a 4-3-3 as Albion had an attacking threat while still looking relatively compact defensively.

Goalkeeper - Joe Wildsmith

This is a debate in itself, with Wildsmith given the nod ahead of the recalled Josh Griffiths after Alex Palmer's deadline day departure.

It was one that created debate, with many hoping for Griffiths to start. However, despite his experience out on loan, Mowbray went with Wildsmith. Given that decision, you have to say at the moment that he represents the strongest selection for Albion.

It is a close call though.

Defence - Darnell Furlong, Mason Holgate, Torbjorn Heggem, Callum Styles

Given Bartley's suspension, Holgate is the only other option to come in at the back so has to be named in a strongest back four.

This is the one area of the field that remains relatively untouched from deadline day, as the other three pretty much name themselves.

Midfield - Alex Mowatt, Jayson Molumby, Isaac Price

We saw a new look midfield on Saturday, and personally I think it represents the strongest.

Mowatt remained in that quarter back sitting role but does have a license to get forward and get shots off.

And the combative Molumby and Price pretty much get a free run, but with their high energy can get back in and bank up defensively if needed.

It is the first we saw of Price, and he potentially looks like the best midfielder Albion have now.

Ousmane Diakite has a shout in there, but currently doesn't offer what the others have to be a regular starter.

It would be highly surprising to see John Swift force his way back into that midfield now, given his underwhelming displays this season and since Mowbray arrived.

Attack - Tom Fellows, Adam Armstrong, Mikey Johnston

When you read those names in the front line, it excites you doesn't it?

For me, they pick themselves in a strongest side. Of course, Mowbray will mix and match to take on different opponents, as we saw against Wednesday.

But Armstrong has to start, given his goal record and his quality. Will Lankshear will no doubt be knocking at the door and will get starts potentially in three game weeks.

Out wide though, these options are the best Albion have. Johnston's quality and Fellows' numbers speak for themselves.

Grady Diangana does have a shout, because of the quality he also has, but consistency is always his sticking point, and for me he doesn't get in over a fully firing Johnston and Fellows.