Is Mings ready to step in for Francis?

While Simon Francis limped off in the last game with a hamstring problem, it is hoped that he will be fit for the away game to WBA. If it happens though that he can't lead the side out it will be Tyrone Mings that resumes his partnership with Steve Cook which has not been that successful in recent games.

Tyrone has to try and make the central defence like a brick wall for WBA attackers.

It will mean Steve Cook moving to the right side of the central back pair if Mings plays and while this is not as comfortable for Cook he always puts in a good shift. When a side is struggling in keeping goals out though, it's not ideal to have to shift the defence around. The two-central defenders will have to be working hard to keep Solomon Rondon quiet and if it is Mings and Cook, they'll have to ensure they win their headers. There will be runners from midfield as well for the defence to contend with as Matt Phillips, Chris Brunt and Nacer Chadli have been scoring of late for the Albion, while Jake Livermore is an energetic addition to their team.

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While Tyrone always looks to be pointing and organising, I wonder how much in control he is of his own game. He needs to be fully concentrating at all times and has to be good with his discipline not to be pulled out of position when it must be natural for him to stray to the left side. Tyrone has to make the most of his opportunities though as Francis is not usually one to miss many games. If he can get a clean sheet with Steve Cook it will ask the question of Eddie Howe if he should keep Tyrone in the team. So it could be a lucky break for Tyrone and that is how he should see this match if he does get selected.

Tyrone probably needs a win just for himself at the moment. His run in the side has not brought the results he will have wanted, but perhaps this will be a chance to change that.