Steve Bruce could consider dropping David Button for West Brom's crucial Championship clash with Preston, according to journalist Joe Chapman.

The Lowdown: West Brom face massive game

The Baggies head to Deepdale for a vital match on Wednesday evening, with Bruce very much under the spotlight after a dreadful run of performances and results.

Saturday's 3-2 loss at home to Swansea City has left West Brom languishing just above the relegation zone and defeat at Preston is likely to spell the end for the manager.

It could be that Bruce opts to make changes and one key starter has been tipped to face the axe from the starting lineup.

The Latest: Button backed to be dropped

Writing on Twitter, The Birmingham Mail's Chapman talked up the idea of goalkeeper Button losing his place between the sticks, having made 11 league starts to date this season:

"Think there's a genuine GK decision to make at PNE. Button struggled on Saturday. Defence hasn't helped, admittedly. 17 goals conceded in 11 is alarming - so many of them avoidable."

The Verdict: Can't do any harm

While West Brom's struggles at the back certainly haven't been solely down to Button, he hasn't looked a commanding figure of late, so a change could make sense.

At this point, it feels as though Bruce has got nothing to lose, in terms of his selection, and freshening things up in key areas could ultimately make a difference.

Alex Palmer could be handed the opportunity to shine, having been reduced to two EFL Cup appearances to date in 2022/23, and a big performance may end up revitalising West Brom defensively, even though that is far from guaranteed.