Last promoted to the Premier League in 2010, West Brom has been the definition of hard-nosed, survival Premier League soccer. It’s never usually not pretty, but so far it’s gotten the job done...barely.
[ MORE: All of PST’s season previews ]
Coming off a season where they unceremoniously finished 13th, revived under Tony Pulis, a new season of gut and grind awaits, and it could be a tumultuous one. The West Brom squad is continuously in flux, but this season there’s a healthy amount of continuity.
[ MORE: Full schedule for every PL club ]
A defensively sound squad added Rickie Lambert to bring some finishing ability to a group that lacked creativity, and James Chester from Hull City adds depth and experience to an already packed back line.
Best Possible XI:
---Foster---
--Lescott--Olsson--Chester--Dawson--
--Brunt--Morrison--Yacob---Fletcher--McManaman--
---Berahino---
Transfers In: James Chester ($12.4 million, Hull City), Rickie Lambert ($4.6 million, Liverpool), James McLean ($2.3 million, Wigan Athletic).
Transfers Out: Youssuf Mulumbu (Released, Norwich City), Chris Baird (Released, Derby County)
Star Player: Saido Berahino
Ok, this is getting silly now. So let us make it clear. There has been NO bid for Saido. That's it. Carry on everyone #wba
— West Bromwich Albion (@WBA) July 28, 2015
With 20 goals across all competitions last season, West Brom managed to hold onto its 21-year-old star. Despite his youth, Berahino is vitally important to the club as its only recognizable star player in a squad of under-the-radar workhorses. With Rickie Lambert now on the team, it could allow Berahino to work in a more creative role, but they’ll need his flair up front once again.
The club scored 38 Premier League goals last season - fifth least in the English top flight - and nearly half those came from Berahino. He’ll need help next year if he wants to repeat those numbers.
Last Season: 13th in the Premier League - Just four wins before the Christmas break meant Alan Irvine got the axe, and the club brought in Tony Pulis to replace him. The club finished the season strong, including a 3-0 win over Chelsea in the second-to-last week. They managed a 13th-placed result, typical of a West Brom side used to mediocrity.
Coach’s Corner: Tony Pulis is well-known along the Premier League stage. Known for his defensive propensity and a love for the long-ball, you know what you’re going to get from Pulis. Love him or hate him, he’s likely one of the strengths of this squad. He is known for a hard-nosed style, which fits West Brom perfectly.
PST Predicts: If Saido Berahino can repeat his goalscoring season, and he can provide for Lambert, West Brom will stay away from the drop. However, Lambert must prove he’s still useful at 33 years old, and the midfield needs some kind of creative spark. It’s easy to see this squad in the bottom three at the end of May.