West Brom. Last Season’s Finish: 8th. Expectations: Mid-Table. Predicted Finish: 15th.
The Baggies certainly overachieved last season, they are not as good as an 8th place finish would suggest in my view. Losing Romelu Lukaku who has returned to Chelsea is a big loss for the side, and without really replacing him either was a poor move. Nicolas Anelka has been brought in, but who knows how fit he is, whether he can still produce at this level, and how much game time he’ll get. West Brom relied upon strong organisation and counter attacking football, and losing their main striker will not help them.
They do not have great squad depth, but the midfield is the key to their success. Mulumbu and Yacob in the middle will need to replicate their performances and control the play. The addition of Diego Lugano at the back will add some much needed quality in that position, but they still need two or three new faces at the club this summer. With the uncertainty over the future of Peter Odermwingie, and the lack of production from Markus Rosenberg, the Baggies need to bring in another forward who will contribute.
Key Player: Shane Long needs to score regularly this season with Lukaku out of the mix. He needs some service around him also. Chris Brunt and James Morrison will need to dictate the play in the attacking areas and their creative influence should create enough chances for Long to convert.