Rotation may have its place, but the West Bromwich Albion manager, Alan Irvine, is reaping the benefits of a settled side. He has used just 12 outfield starters in the Baggies past six league games, and this result means they have picked up 11 points from the 18 available.
The contrast with Leicester City is marked, and possibly instructive. The Foxes have now gone five games without a win since beating Manchester United 5-3 in September, and the manager, Nigel Pearson, has chopped and changed players in every one. Liam Moore, Dean Hammond, Riyad Mahrez and Leonardo Ulloa, all of whom started Citys previous game a tame defeat at Swansea City found themselves on the bench, as Pearson opted for a midfield diamond, featuring Esteban Cambiasso at its base, and gave striker Jamie Vardy the opportunity to use his pace alongside David Nugent, up front.
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