Premier League Preview: West Brom

Last season West Brom were the best of the rest, coming in at a great 8th place, however with the loss of top West Brom goalscorer Romelu Lukaku back to Chelsea, West Brom are in for a harder season this year. However, under Steve Clarke they have a strong manager and will still be right in the mix for a top half finish.

West Brom have strengthened their squad with three experienced players. The replacement for Romelu Lukaku is journeyman Nicolas Anelka and they have also signed defenders Goran Popov and Diego Lugano to add plenty of experience to the defensive line. Selling a few squad players, I feel like West Brom have a slightly weaker squad than last season but their experiences will allow them a top half finish.

West Brom has a really small scale pre-season although it was successful enough. Anelka scored a couple of goals and will be instrumental if Clarke's team are to replicate last season's form. Sadly I feel as though they may fall away a little bit this year. Don't get me wrong they won't be in the relegation battle but they won't be in the top half like they were last year.

Key Man: Gareth McAuley - Last season's Player's Player of the Year and Supporters Player of the Year, 33 year old McAuley has his best season in a West Bromwich Albion shirt. As well as being a rock at the back he also supplied three goals for the team last year, showing his importance all over the park. If he can replicate his defensive form then West Brom will be pushing for the top half.

One to Watch: James Morrison - James Morrison is one of the most talented players in the League who has never quite reached his potential. After looking solid in pre-season, along with scoring a goal against England in the 3-2 friendly defeat on Wednesday, Morrison will be looking to really fulfill his potential and have a better season than last year.

Best Summer Signing: Nicolas Anelka - The journeyman returns to the Premier League once again. This time at his twelth club and his sixth different Premier League game, Anelka joins West Brom to fill the boots of last seasons talisman Romelu Lukaku. Anelka looked strong in pre-season and will be looking to, well, re-make his name in the Premier League.

Last Season: 8th

Pre-Season Prediction: 14th - A tougher season for West Brom with the loss of Lukaku but safe enough.