Roy Hodgson is hoping to improve his poor Carling Cup record when West Brom look to avoid an upset at Bournemouth.
Hodgson set to give fringe players a chance at Dean Court
Roy Hodgson is hoping to improve his poor Carling Cup record when West Bromwich Albion look to avoid a second round upset at Bournemouth.
The experienced manager has won just one of his four ties in the competition in recent seasons at Fulham and Liverpool, and will be aiming for a first win of the new campaign.
The Baggies have been unlucky to lose 2-1 to both Manchester United and Chelsea in the Premier League, but will be favourites to progress on the South Coast.
Hodgson is ready to give some of his fringe players a chance at Bournemouth, with Jerome Thomas in contention to play after hip and thigh problems.
Zoltan Gera is not yet ready to make his second debut for West Brom, while Hodgson must also decide whether to start with Peter Odemwingie following his recent fitness worries.
Opportunity
"It's not always a case of resting players," said Hodgson. "I've also got one or two players I actually want to have a look at.
"There are people like Graham Dorrans and people like Marek Cech, who are bona fide first-team players who have not had much chance at the moment to show what they can do.
"This might be a chance for me to give them that opportunity and won't regard that as resting players, because I think they're every bit as capable."
Bournemouth manager Lee Bradbury welcomes back Adam Barrett for the match.
The defender, who missed Saturday's defeat to Carlisle, returns from a one-match ban following his red card against Stevenage.
Striker Steve Lovell made his comeback from a thigh injury against the Cumbrians and, despite playing 45 minutes, will be assessed before being named in the Cherries squad.
On-loan forward Ryan Doble has been given permission from parent club Southampton to feature in the competition but is doubtful with a thigh strain sustained at Brunton Park.
Midfielder Marc Pugh is likely to be sidelined for at least 10 days with a knee problem and Bradbury will be without fellow midfielder Steven Gregory for two weeks after he suffered a thigh injury.
Striker Michael Symes and midfielder Joe Partington remain sidelined with back and hip injuries respectively.
