Top of table after win
PULIS PRAISES DROPPED BORO STAR
the bench. “Mo was a regular in the team, without a shadow of a doubt, but that happens,” said Pulis when asked about Besic’s current absence. “People come in and take their place, and you have to wait and be patient. His attitude around the place is fantastic. “You speak to people about him, and every day he trains properly and he’s always got a smile on his face. He’s a really good lad.” Pulis has several selection posers to contend with ahead of this afternoon’s match. Dani Ayala is suspended following his sending off at Sheffield United while Aden Flint has been sidelined with the hamstring injury he suffered at Bramall Lane. 43 years of Wednesday domination on their own patch after goals from Jon Taylor and Richie Towell overturned Fernando Forestieri’s opener.
But, with play extending beyond the allotted eight minutes of additional time, Dominic Iorfa stole a point for Wednesday, with Forestieri sent off for receiving two yellow cards in the aftermath to the goal.
West Brom stayed in touch with the promotion-chasing top three as quickfire goals shortly before the interval from Hal Robson-kanu and Jay Rodriguez clinched a 2-0 win
Pulis also said another couple of unnamed players have “niggles”. His main challenge is to find a workable combination of defenders.
Paddy Mcnair could come into contention as a wing-back or full-back on the right and that would allow Ryan Shotton to play as a centre-back.
Jonny Howson has also played as a right wing-back this season.
George Friend could also move inside from full-back to help Dael Fry but that would leave a vacancy on the left.
Stewart Downing has played at wingback and full-back but Pulis has been told he can’t pick the former England international in his starting line-up due to a contract wrangle.
If Downing starts one more league game this season, he’ll automatically at Aston Villa.
Dean Smith’s side had fought back from 3-0 down to snatch a point against Sheffield United the last time they played at Villa Park, but there was to be no remarkable comeback on Saturday.
Ipswich remain rooted to the foot of the standings, although Will Keane headed home in injury time to claim a 1-1 draw against Stoke, who had gone ahead in the 42nd minute at Portman Road through James Mcclean.
Preston and Nottingham Forest shared the spoils at Deepdale after a drab 0-0 draw. receive a one-year contract extension and Boro don’t want that to happen.
Marcus Tavernier could play on the left but the inexperienced teenager hasn’t started a league game since December 1.
“We’ll go there to do our best with what we’ve got,” said Pulis, who has been impressed with the job Tony Mowbray has done at Blackburn.
The former Boro manager won promotion from League One last season and has guided Rovers into the top half of the Championship, although they’ve lost their last three fixtures.
“They’ve done fantastic,” added Pulis. “Tony is a good manager. They’ve got some good players and Tony will have them up for it.
“He’ll be desperate to put one over on us.”
People come in and take their place and you have to be patient. His attitude around the place is fantastic Tony Pulis