2016-17 fan predictions: West Bromwich Albion
By Danny Garbett, West Bromwich Albion fan
What are your feelings ahead of the new season?
It’s going to be a 43-point season where we survive by six points. I feel like Tony Pulis has drained any feeling of excitement out of every Baggie at the moment. I’m looking forward to the Premier League season as a neutral but no doubt once we sign another name or when the first ball is kicked I’ll soon be up for it.
Are you satisfied with your club’s transfer business this summer?
I’m not satisfied with our business in the slightest. The only signing we’ve made is Matt Phillips. He’s the kind of player fans have wanted on the wing, but I’m not sure if he offers any more than McClean or McManaman. He comes in promising pace and power but is he a player the Premier League full-backs will fear? As we speak we’re waiting on another striker to come in to allow Berahino to leave. The new owners have said that there’s money to spend, so now the takeover is done, we should see some business.
How is your team likely to line up?
Ben Foster, Craig Dawson, James Chester, Gareth McAuley, Jonny Evans, Claudio Yacob, Darren Fletcher, James Morrison, Matt Phillips, James McClean, Salomon Rondon.
Have you got the right man in charge?
He seems like the right man in terms of not going down but he’s definitely not the right man for entertainment, progression and success.
What do you expect from Liverpool this season?
I expect Liverpool to be back around the top four this season. The squad lacks maybe one or two big stars. The signings this season have strengthened the squad and seem to be very intelligent buys but they may be two major players short of winning the league. But then Klopp seemed to grow players into stars at Dortmund. Anywhere amongst the top six would be good considering the competition. Top four and a domestic cup is my prediction.
If you could have one Liverpool player in your team, who would it be?
Emre Can. At 22, I think he’s accomplished defensively and as a midfielder. He could easily be the best defensive midfielder in the world in years to come.
Top four (in order)?
Manchester City
Manchester United
Chelsea
Liverpool
Relegated?
Burnley, Hull City, Bournemouth
Who will be the surprise package?
West Ham. It’s such a competitive top six this season, West Ham will finish in a respectable seventh or maybe pip sixth from the likes of Spurs/Arsenal/Liverpool.
What is your one wish for the season?
I want to see young players coming into the West Brom first team and succeeding. Leko, Field, Roberts to name a few. The talent is there within our ranks, they just seem to move on to Liverpool or Chelsea or just grow a huge ego and lose sight of their game.