West Bromwich Albion had a troubled 2013/2014 campaign, after what was a record 2012/2013 campaign after finishing 8th. This troubled campaign saw Steven Clarke lose his job after picking up four straight defeats, leaving the team two points above the bottom three.
Clarke’s replacement was Pepe Mel who started in January. However, this didn’t stop any of the problems which were then intensified with Nicolas Anelka’s five game suspension, which eventually led to his sacking. Mel managed to muster three wins in seventeen games which managed to keep them above the drop zone. Now Alan Irvine has taken over, he had an instant impact with the purchase of Joleon Lescott in less than five days in the job.
STAR MAN – Stéphane SESSEGNON
After moving to the Baggies from Sunderland, Sessegnon has failed to show the form he had in the 2012/2013 season that made him a Fantasy Football must-have. This season could turn out to be the breakthrough for Seasegnon with West Bromwich Albion. The Baggies are now one of the favorites to go down, we expect him to play a critical part in their survival bid. At a price of 6.0m he could turn out to be a bargain with the possibility of big points in the Baggies first three games against Sunderland, Southampton and Swansea.
HIDDEN GEM – Saido BERAHINO
Berahino had an instant impact on his full debut with West Bromwich Albion, scoring a hat-trick in the Capital One Cup. He also netted a memorable winner for the team against Manchester United, which gave them their first away win at Old Trafford in 34 years. It is also worth noting his England Under-21 performances, with seven goals in eight appearances. Berahino should start in-front of Anichebe and Ideye, and at just 5.5m he could be a bargain striker if he hits the ground running.
With Andre Wisdom joining the Baggies on a season long-loan deal, he too could prove to be a hidden gem amongst the squad. A cheap defender at just 4.0m and coming from a big club means he may be able to help West Brom get some vital clean sheets.
