Premier League Predictions; Match Week 1

The Hawthorns could play host to some interesting but inconsistent football this season; West Brom look to start off right against visiting Sunderland

WEST BROM V SUNDERLAND

On the surface, West Brom look set to make a push for the top half of the table.  A summer that has seen eight new players into the door at the Hawthorns has given many a reason to be quite optimistic; and then they recall that their manager is one Alan Irvine.  The Scottish gaffer will be under the microscope early on after the clubs summer activity is expected to yield positive results.  The good news? They kick off against Sunderland.

Gus Poyet could well be one of the first managers sacked once the season begins; the Black Cats have done little this summer to solidify their chances of hopefully avoiding the drop this summer.  The acquisition of Jack Rodwell was the best piece of business this summer, but how much could he be expected to contribute after barely playing the past few seasons at Manchester City?

Surely West Brom can all but assure themselves three points on the first day, but stranger things have happened in the Premier League.

Predicted Starting XI’s

West Brom (4-2-3-1): Ben Foster; Sebastien Pocognoli, Joleon Lescott, Jonas Olsson, Cristian Gamboa; Youssuf Mulumbu, Claudio Yacob; Chris Brunt, James Morrison, Stephane Sessegnon; Brown Ideye

Sunderland (4-3-3): Vito Mannone; Patrick van Aanholt, John O’Shea, Modibo Diakite, Billy Jones; Alfred N’Diaye, Liam Bridcutt, Jack Rodwell; Emanuele Giaccherini, Connor Wickham, Adam Johnson

Staff Score Predictions

Drew: WBA 2-1 Sunderland

Ben: WBA 1-1 Sunderland

James: WBA 2-2 Sunderland

Ross: WBA 0-2 Sunderland

Luke: WBA 1-2 Sunderland