EFL Championship Team Preview – West Bromwich Albion
With the experienced Slaven Bilic at the helm, how will West Bromwich Albion get on in a competitive EFL Championship this season? The Baggies finished in fourth place last term, losing out in the play-off semi-finals to Midlands rivals Aston Villa. West Brom are one of the title favourites this year, with bet365 offering 12/1 for them to finish top of the pile come May. Can Albion book their place in the 2020-21 Premier League?
Who will win the Championship Title 2019/20?
| Team |  |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leeds | 9/2 | 7/2 | 9/2 |
| Fulham | 8/1 | 8/1 | 8/1 |
| Cardiff | 10/1 | 10/1 | 10/1 |
| West Brom | 12/1 | 10/1 | 10/1 |
| Middlesbrough | 14/1 | 14/1 | 12/1 |
| Stoke | 12/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 |
| Derby | 16/1 | 14/1 | 14/1 |
| Huddersfield | 20/1 | 14/1 | 16/1 |
| Brentford | 12/1 | 14/1 | 14/1 |
| Sheff Wed | 20/1 | 16/1 | 18/1 |
* (Betting Odds were taken from Bet365, Betvictor & Ladbrokes on July 15th, 2019 at 13:30 p.m.)
West Brom to win the Championship Title 2019/20 at bet365
Table of Contents
Another top six finish for the Baggies?
West Brom had a decent first season in the Championship last term following relegation from the Premier League the season before, going on to finish in fourth place and seal a play-off berth. However, the Midlands outfit come up short in the end, losing out in the play-off semi-finals on penalties to Aston Villa.
West Brom won exactly half of their 46 games, losing 12 and drawing 11 of their other 23. In the end, the Baggies accumulated a respectable 80 points, although they did finish nine points adrift of the top two. Albion spent practically all season in the top six last season, and reaching the play-offs again will be a minimum requirement.
West Brom are one of the big boys in this division, so they should be there or there abouts in the battle for promotion. The Midlands club kick off their season with a tough trip to the City Ground to take on Nottingham Forest.
Will Bilic hit the ground running?
Bilic is a very experienced manager, and the West Brom board have done a fine job in persuading him to join at The Hawthorns. The 50-year-old was a cult hero with the fans as a player, racking up over 70 Premier League appearances with West Ham United and Everton.
The Split-born man had a very successful time with Croatia, spending six years with the national side, guiding them to the UEFA Euro 2008 quarter-finals and winning 64.6% of his matches in charge.
Bilic had one or two bright moments as West Ham manager but ultimately failed at the London Stadium. He was sacked in November 2017 after the Hammers suffered a heavy home loss to Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool.
Bilic has loads of knowledge playing and managing in the Premier League, but the Championship is uncharted waters for the former Croatia boss. Can he get off to a perfect start with three big points at Forest on the opening weekend of the season?
- The Baggies won 50% of their regular league matches last term
- West Brom picked up 11 away wins in last term’s Championship, with only champions Norwich winning more (12)
- Albion accumulated 80 league points last season
How will they fare this season?
As I mentioned, West Brom are certainly one of the biggest clubs in the division. The Baggies belong in the Premier League, but several other top sides will have the same ambition.
At the time of writing, Albion are available at 10/1 with bet365 to win the Championship title. However, there’s better value in 5/6 for them to finish in the top six. A lot will depend on how quickly Bilic can settle into his new surroundings, but West Brom should be targeting a top six spot this season.
Arrivals and departures
West Brom recently brought in Philip Krovinovic from Benfica on a season-long loan deal. The 23-year-old, who plays in midfield, is the club’s first signing under new boss Bilic.
Several players have headed for the exit door at The Hawthorns over the summer. The likes of Gareth Barry, Craig Dawson, Wes Hoolahan, Kyle Howkins, Tyrone Mears, James Morrison, Boaz Myhill and Jay Rodriguez have all left the club.
The West Brom supporters will be hoping that they sign a few more players before the season gets underway in early August.
West Bromwich Albion Tips & Odds
To finish in the top six at 5/6
To be promoted at 3/1
* (Betting Odds were taken from bet365 on July 15th, 2019 at 13:30 p.m.)
Predicted finish
West Brom could be set to have a good season in the Championship with Bilic in charge. Their squad is a bit thin at the moment after a number of players left The Hawthorns over the summer. With that in mind, a top two finish could be a step too far. However, the Baggies should reach the play-offs for a second season running. I’m backing West Brom to finish in sixth place.
