Baggies set to make changes in 'challenging' week

West Bromwich Albion head coach James Morrison says he intends to make changes to his team for their EFL Cup tie at Newcastle United on Wednesday.

Morrison, who has guided Albion to successive wins at the beginning of their Championship campaign, leads them to Tyneside hoping to pull off an upset at the home of Premier League opponents.

They will do so without senior pair Aune Heggebo and Mikey Johnston.

Norwegian centre-forward Heggebo is serving the second of his two-match suspension for 'successfully deceiving match officials' when he scored at Norwich City on the opening day of the season, while winger Johnston remains sidelined with an ankle injury.

The alterations to Morrison's starting XI will be with Saturday's lunchtime kick off at Middlesbrough in mind.

The Baggies play two matches in the north east in the space of a little more than 60 hours and will remain in the region for four nights as a result.

"I have to get the balance right," Morrison told BBC WM Sport.

"I have to think about the game on Saturday and players needing a rest. It is a challenging week.

"We have a lot of travel so we will stay up for the duration. I think it's the best way to prepare properly. We will train at some venues.

"We'll also make the most of the block of four days away when it comes to the new players."

Despite the demanding schedule, Morrison is still looking forward to the opportunity for his players to test themselves against Newcastle, who began their Premier League campaign on Sunday with a hard-fought 2-2 draw against Liverpool at St James' Park.

Former Scotland international Morrison also hopes his squad will be exposed to a vibrant atmosphere generated by a healthy crowd.

"I want us to go and be competitive in the game. When it first came out I was excited to go up against a top side like Newcastle," Morrison said.

"I'll be respecting the competition, the opposition and the travelling fans - hopefully we can put a performance on for them.

"The stadium is among the best in the league. They will probably sell out - I think last year, for a tie with Bradford, they had 51,000. It will be great to be in a passionate stadium and I think the players and fans are excited to be in that."

Morrison added the club were still in talks with 20-year-old midfielder Harry Whitwell over a new contract.

Whitwell, who scored in their 3-1 win over Burnley at The Hawthorns on Sunday, has started their first three competitive fixtures under Morrison this term but his current deal expires next summer.

"We're all keen, as a club, to get it nailed down," Morrison added.

"I'm sure the club are working hard behind the scenes to get that done."