The doom-mongers have had it in for West Brom pretty much since they were promoted to the Premier League.
Leeds have been tipped to shine under Marcelo Bielsa, but it’s almost as if the Baggies, along with Fulham, have been consigned to their fate in the eyes of many already.
An eye-catching performance in the first half against Chelsea last month might have changed a few minds and we’ve picked out reasons for optimism.
It’s not usually wise to write a team off so early on in a season…
Slaven Bilic
Bilic is a realist, but he’s also a fighter. There’s no way he’ll take well to being written off almost before a ball has been kicked.
He knows what it takes to build a successful Premier League side and has the strength of character to see it through.
The Croat will know his side needs tweaks – and are missing the Hawthorns crowd behind them at home – but as long as he’s at the helm, there’s cause for optimism.
The onus is on the club to keep their patience with Bilic if the going gets tough this winter.
Grady Diangana
You only have to look at the reaction of West Ham fans and players to the departure of Diangana to realise how talented he is.
He is a hugely promising winger who will give West Brom the creative threat any team needs in order to survive.
Diangana is now getting a chance to showcase his talent in the Premier League and there aren’t many 22-year-olds who are so central to their side’s attacking hopes.
Consistency will be key, as well West Brom getting the right service to Diangana in order to let him fly forward at will.
Matheus Pereira
Making Pereira’s loan from Sporting permanent was a huge move from West Brom this summer.
He has the ability to make things happen from nothing and has already shown his dead-ball ability against Everton
Between him and Diangana, they can cause problems, and if Karlan Grant comes in, that adds a focal point up front.
The key for former defender Bilic will be forming a solid enough foundation behind them, but that rampant first half against Chelsea shows what they can do at their best.
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