Sports Mole takes a closer look at the Premier League campaign ahead for West Bromwich Albion.
With the Premier League season beginning this weekend, Sports Mole casts its eye over West Bromwich Albion's summer and their prospects for the 2013-14 campaign.
In:
Nicolas Anelka (Juventus, Free), Goran Popov (Dynamo Kiev, Loan), Diego Lugano (Paris Saint-Germain, £1m)
Out:
James Hurst (Crawley Town, Free), Marc-Antoine Fortune (Wigan Athletic, Free), Gonzalo Jara Reyes (Nottingham Forest, Free), Romaine Sawyers (Released), Jerome Thomas (Released), Scott Allan (Birmingham City, Loan)
Last Season: Eighth
Manager: Steve Clarke
Three key players:
© PA Photos
Ben Foster - Such has been the form that Foster has shown between the posts over the last 12 months, he has returned to the senior international setup with England. The Baggies may have conceded a rather hefty 57 goals during the most recent campaign, but it would have been even more but for Foster's performances. There are not many better shot-stoppers in the Premier League than the 30-year-old, who is also extremely comfortable when in possession of the ball.
© PA Photos
James Morrison - Having arrived at the club in 2007, Morrison has gone on to establish himself as a key component of the West Brom midfield. That was particularly apparent when he was handed 35 appearances by Clarke last season. The Scotland international rewarded the faith shown in him by scoring five goals and earning numerous plaudits for his stamina levels. At the age of 27 he has now entered his peak years for a midfielder and Clarke will no doubt be looking for similar displays over the coming months.
© Getty Images
Nicolas Anelka - The Frenchman has had more clubs than
Tiger Woods's caddie carries around in his bag! However, at every Premier League side he has represented, of which there has been five, the 34-year-old has proved himself to be a clinical centre-forward. He may not have the same electric pace that he used to his advantage with Arsenal, but his movement is still sharp and strikers do no lose the ability to convert chances when they arise. His experience of the highest level can only be of benefit to Clarke's squad.
First game: Southampton (H), Complete fixture list
Sports Mole says: When Clarke was handed his first managerial role last summer by West Brom, nobody could have predicted how well his side would go on to perform. Even up until Christmas they were in contention for a Champions League place. It was no surprise that they tailed off during the second half the campaign, but their style of play was rightly hailed. They've added experience in the transfer market, but a quick scroll down their squad list suggests that they may need a midfielder or two. Having said that, they should still finish within the top half.
Predicted finish: 10th
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