Watford v West Brom preview: Carlos Corberan decisions as squad called upon

Tomorrow's trip to Watford, a third game in eight days, will be a stern test for the Baggies against a side in a similar position who look forecast to battle toe-to-toe for a play-off spot this term.

Corberan kicked off the period after the November international break talking about the demands on all players over the next six weeks until the early days of January - we are in the thick of it now.

Wednesday's much-needed victory over Coventry provided signs Corberan has an eye on rotation, both against the Sky Blues and the games ahead.

There was no Kyle Bartley in the heart of defence. No surprise, really, when considered the dominant stopper is 33 and just a few weeks back from minor knee surgery. Corberan will be coy about whether Bartley, who played the last 20 minutes, was kept fresher for Watford tomorrow - but that is surely the hope?

The good news for Albion is Mason Holgate came in and gave one of the more solid performances of his loan from Everton this term.

The other real debate heading to Vicarage Road is the physical state of 10-goal top scorer Josh Maja.

Maja looked exhausted in Wednesday's clash against the Sky Blues - and not for the first time. His race was run by half-time and Corberan made the bold call to replace him with John Swift.

It was a concern to see Maja toil but also in no way a surprise. The striker has been exceptional this season but is paying the price for a lack of competition and depth in the squad.

Devante Cole, the only other natural striker - excluding Karlan Grant, used on the left for the most part this term - has been deemed insufficient for any more involvement and with Daryl Dike still a few weeks away all the responsibility has been left with Maja.

He has delivered in spades but now needs a breather. Next week's free midweek will help. Whether Maja was given 45 minutes off with a start at Watford in mind only Corberan will know. The head coach may deem the top scorer a better weapon for the final half hour from the bench in Hertfordshire.

Albion will be heartened by how Swift performed in Maja's place in the second half against the Sky Blues.

It's been a tough season for Swift after a bright start as a deeper midfielder. He is not alone in having struggled to make an impact from the bench and this was better. Corberan may be tempted to use the former Reading man as an extra deep body in support of Grant, though the latter was also rated a doubt by Corberan in the boss' press conference on Friday.

More of these headaches will come, particularly in the busy week between Christmas and the new year with games against Derby, Sheffield United and Preston, but for now Corberan will hope his options are in a good place to come to the fore.