West Brom predicted XI: Leicester City (H)
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West Brom will make their return to Premier League action after a two-year absence when they host Leicester City at The Hawthorns on the opening weekend of the season.
The Baggies come into the new season having kept most of the squad that got them to the top flight, apart from Flip Krovinovic, but they will be buoyed by the important acquisitions of Matheus Pereira and Grady Diangana, whose quality will be heavily relied on.
As it stands, Slaven Bilic will be a frustrated figure as the club have not brought in a recognised striker to grab Albion some much-needed goals in the Premier League, which will be an area of concern.
In terms of team news, Conor Townsend is a doubt with the injury that ruled him out of the final pre-season game with Brighton and Kenneth Zohore has got a calf problem.
Here’s how we think WBA will lineup:
GK: Sam Johnstone
Despite the arrival of David Button, Johnstone is set to start the season as the club’s number one choice goalkeeper, having appeared in every game of last seasons promotion-winning campaign.
RB: Dara O'Shea
O’Shea was pivotal in his breakthrough year at the club and scored some important goals to see Albion on their way to promotion. Such a humble and mature professional for his age and someone who deserves a crack at top-flight football to prove himself.
CB: Semi Ajayi
Ajayi was one of the players of the season last campaign and looks set to be the first choice at centre back for this upcoming Premier League season. We will see if he can adapt to the top flight.
CB: Kyle Bartley
There is plenty of competition for places in the second centre back role with Cedric Kipre being added to the ranks. Bartley started and finished the game against QPR and was solid throughout to see Albion over the finish line. After that performance, he deserves to be given a start on the opening day of the new season.
LB: Kieran Gibbs
With Albion signing no left back this summer, Gibbs is set to be given the chance to be a regular starter if he can maintain his fitness. Has come through unscathed in pre-season and is set to start on the opening weekend.
CM: Jake Livermore (C)
Since Chris Brunt’s departure, the full time captain role has been given to Livermore. A leader on and off the pitch, he will be a key motivator. Will obviously provide the grit and hunger which he always gives in midfield and that is very much needed for this tough opening game.
CM: Romaine Sawyers
Sawyers was a fabulous asset in the Championship last year, with his excellent defensive play and his ability to keep things ticking over nicely in midfield. He is a player that certainly has the potential to step up to the Premier League and is very likely to continue his partnership with Livermore.
CAM: Matheus Pereira
Pereira is definitely the most exciting WBA player who will grace the Premier League this season after his stunning opening season at the Baggies. Signed permanently this summer from Sporting Lisbon and is expected to shine in the top flight. One of the first names on the teem-sheet.
LW: Grady Diangana
Another fantastic piece of business from Albion was to keep Grady Diangana, who signed rather surprisingly from West Ham on a five-year contract. He is similar to Pereira and he too has the ability to step up and make a name for himself in the top flight after his impressive season last year.
RW: Kamil Grosicki
After early speculation about him leaving the club, the Polish international put that to one side and got prepared for the new season. Will be looking to kick on and show that he still has what it takes to be successful in the Premier League and is heading into it with some impressive form, after bagging an assist and notching the winner in the Pole’s Nations League victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina.
ST: Callum Robinson
Albion’s most recent signing was bringing back Callum Robinson from Sheffield United on a five-year contract which saw Oliver Burke go the other way. In his last game for the Baggies against QPR, he occupied the number nine role and was effective throughout by grabbing an assist and a goal. With Albion making no significant moves thus far for a goalscoring forward, Robinson is likely to take up that position again for the opening game, as he hopes to add the energy and pace that he showed against The Hoops last season to make an impact against The Foxes.
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