West Brom’s 21/22 Championship season was eventful, to say the least, but following the summer signings of John Swift and Jed Wallace, there’s a feeling of optimism around the Hawthorns.
Whilst the appointment of Steve Bruce remains scrutinised by some supporters, a strong finish to the campaign saw West Brom finish 10th in the standings, with the signings of Championship stars Swift and Wallace, as well as Brighton & Hove Albion talent Jayson Molumby, have been largely praised by fans and pundits.
- Three players who could replace Fernandinho at Manchester City
- £166m superstar among best XI of under-23 free agents this summer
Indeed, a full pre-season for Bruce could be what’s needed for the veteran English manager to get the best out of West Brom, and given the quality already in the squad, the Baggies could contest for promotion back to the Premier League next season.
With West Brom set to face Middlesbrough on the opening day of the Championship season, what could Bruce’s XI look like come to the end of July, with the West Midlands-based side likely to make more signings following the arrivals of Swift and Wallace earlier in the window.
Ethan Horvath signs as West Brom lure Jay DaSilva from Bristol City
With Sam Johnstone no longer on West Brom’s books, a new starting keeper is crucial if Bruce is to fight for promotion next season, and Nottingham Forest shot-stopper Ethan Horvath could be ideal for what the Baggies are looking for.
With the USA competing in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Horvath has stated his intention to not be a backup keeper next season at Forest, now in the Premier League. And for West Brom, the former Club Brugge star would be an outstanding addition to the side given his track record and quality.
As well as the goalkeeper spot, left-back also should be addressed, with Bruce likely to change up the system to a 4-2-3-1 as seen during spells at Newcastle United and Aston Villa, and for our choice, we’ve selected Jay DaSilva as the perfect player to fill this role for the Baggies.
Making up the rest of the defence are current West Brom stars Semi Ajayi, Dara O’Shea and Darnell Furlong, with the trio all regular starters for the club over the years and proven players who can impress in the Championship.
John Swift starts with Alex Mowatt partnering captain Jake Livermore
As mentioned, Swift has been one of two major signings West Brom have made this summer, with the former Reading star one of the best players in the Championship last season and being targeted by many sides before Bruce won the race for the midfielder.
With Swift likely to start in a more advanced role, Alex Mowatt could partner captain Jake Livermore in the midfield, with the former Barnsley star having a rough first year at the Hawthorns, though this summer could be where the 27-year-old clicks everything into place.
Indeed, West Brom could have one of the best midfields in the Championship if the trio all gel well, and for Bruce, keeping these three players healthy will be key to getting the club back into the Premier League after last season’s disappointments.
Daryl Dike leads the line with Grady Diangana set for breakout season
With Daryl Dike likely to be fit for the opening game against Middlesbrough, the American international will be desperate to return to the pitch and onto the scoresheet after spending all but two games last season on the injury table.
The 22-year-old has proven before what he is capable of in the Championship, and if Bruce gives Dike the platform to succeed, the American could become one of the league’s most dangerous strikers, especially with Wallace and Grady Diangana out on the wings.
The wingers are some of the best in the division, and whilst Wallace will likely hit the ground running with West Brom, Bruce should entrust Diangana next season given the attacker’s immense potential and his previous record in the Championship with the Baggies.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
