Premier League Predictions: 17th

So we’ve gone through the relegation zone, who will be surviving the Premier League by the skin of their teeth?

Team: West Brom

Manager: Alan Irvine

A bit of a weird appointment in my eyes, but they’ve been reeling ever since they sacked Steve Clarke. Irvine has very little experience at the top of the game, having only managed Preston and Sheffield Wednesdayat the professional level. However I think he’s got enough about him to manage this team well.

Key Player: Ben Foster

West Brom will need their English keeper to be right on top of his game if they are to survive this year, and his control of the back four could be vital for their defensive organisation. When West Brom lost last season it was due to defensive lapses, and Irvine will be keen to avoid that again.

Best feature: Work rate

It gets said too much that teams have a good work rate, but I think West Brom have consistently been one of the hardest work teams in the Premier League. Every game you know they will give you 100% and Irvine will be keen that they replicate that in the coming year. If they don’t, they won’t reach the heights of 17th.

Worst Feature: No star quality

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I feel like I’m repeating myself with these lower teams, but this is the reason they are all down there. There isn’t one player in the West Brom squad that I think will turn losses into draws and draws into wins at any point. When they win it’ll be due to hard graft, not a moment of magic unfortunately for them.

PIA Writer’s opinions: 

BW: “17th for me as well, it’s nice group of young talent that never seems to click, but after a few years they might turn it around and find some footing this year.”

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