What are the big four questions heading into West Brom’s Premier League fixture against Bournemouth?
West Brom head to Bournemouth with 4 points from their opening 3 games. Last season this feature ended in a 1-1 draw, as Craig Dawson’s opener was cancelled out by a late Matt Ritchie goal. Here are the big questions heading into Saturday’s game.
How will speculation over Tony Pulis’ future impact the team?
Tony Pulis’ reign at West Brom seems to be dying a slow death. Chairman John Williams’ post-deadline-day statement sparked more rumours that the Welshman would quit over the international break.
West Bromwich Albion manager Tony Pulis
Pulis remains at the helm, but with the club’s takeover set to be ratified, Pulis could face another few weeks of uncertainty. However, don’t forget that Pulis is a master of grinding out results when he really needs them. Don’t be surprised if the Baggies boss responds with a scrappy away result to remind everyone of his resolute qualities.
Will Sam Field keep his place?
West Brom’s 0-0 home draw against Middlesbrough was an extremely dull affair. Baggies fans could be forgiven for taking an early Sunday snooze and if they did, they would have missed a promising first league start for academy graduate Sam Field.
The tidy midfielder played with the composure of a Premier League veteran and did not look out of place in top flight football. With Albion failing to add another midfielder to the side during the transfer window; Field will surely be utilised regularly throughout the season. It will be interesting to see if Pulis trusts Field’s to start his second game on the bounce especially in a challenging away game.
Will Berahino feature?
Saido Berahino was dropped to the bench for the Middlesbrough game and looked set to finally make his exit from The Hawthorns. However, that move never materialised and now the forward will surely see out his contract at West Brom. After failing to bring in another forward, Pulis is in dire need of support for Salmon Rondon and may have to turn to Berahino this weekend. Albion need goals and Berahino has plenty to prove ahead of the summer – now is the time to start.
Will there be debuts for Chadli, Nyom and Robson-Kanu?
It was a disappointing end to the transfer window for West Brom but they did make three new additions to their side. Nacer Chadli and Allan Nyom both featured in Albion’s midseason friendly against the Delhi Dynamos last weekend and will be hoping they proved their fitness ahead of Saturday.
Meanwhile, Hal Robson-Kanu came on for Wales in the 75th minute during their 4-0 victory over Moldova on Monday night. Chadli looks the most likely to make his debut this weekend; with the Baggies craving attacking impetus. Nyom and Robson-Kanu may have to settle for places on the bench.
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