West Bromwich Albion face Tottenham Hotspur after the international break – here are three reasons why they’ll triumph at the Hawthorns.
After Tottenham Hotspur’s impressive victory over Manchester City on Sunday, they face a trip to the Hawthorns to play an obdurate West Bromwich Albion, where their title credentials will no doubt be tested once again.
Tony Pulis’ side are no pushovers – in fact, here are three reasons why the Baggies will triumph after the international break.
Bogey Baggies
Besides a 3-0 win in January last year, West Brom have not been kind to Spurs in recent years. Indeed, one win in the last six games for either side as well as four draws shows that, for a side of Spurs’ quality, they’ve not done an adequate job of breaking down West Brom.
Moreover, Tottenham may still be without their talismanic goalscorer Harry Kane and although they did not struggle to find the net against City, one might imagine that West Brom will be content to shut up shop and play on the break.
Tottenham’s Harry Kane
Demons of last season
West Brom hold a special significance for Tottenham now. While the Battle of Stamford Bridge may have been the place where Spurs’ title challenge died last season, the seeds were sown at White Hart Lane where Craig Dawson’s late equaliser for the Baggies knocked the stuffing out of Tottenham.
The wounds of such a dramatic capitulation will still be healing and you can be sure that Tony Pulis will be looking to take full advantage.
West Bromwich Albion’s Craig Dawson in action with Stoke City’s Marko Arnautovic
Chadli out for revenge
West Brom made Nacer Chadli their record signing in the summer for a fee of around £13 million. Having been deemed surplus to requirements at Tottenham, the Belgian has looked a brand new player at West Brom and has thrived in a central role.
With this being their first meeting of the new season, it’ll be Chadli’s chance to prove to Spurs what they’re missing out on.
West Bromwich Albion’s Nacer Chadli celebrates scoring their fourth goal
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
