The Hawthorns is buzzing with excitement as West Brom wich Albion makes its long-awaited return to the Premier League after a two-year absence. The Baggies, under the guidance of Slaven Bilic, face a challenging yet thrilling 2023/24 season packed with high-stakes derbies, heavyweight clashes, and crucial survival battles. Here’s your ultimate Banglawin88 breakdown of West Brom’s Premier League journey.
The Road Back to Premier League Glory
West Brom‘s promotion via the Championship playoffs in 2023 marked the end of a hard-fought campaign. Their last Premier League stint in 2018 ended in relegation, but this time, the squad appears more balanced and battle-ready. With strategic summer signings and a cohesive tactical approach, the Baggies aim to avoid the dreaded “yo-yo club” tag.
September: A Baptism of Fire
The Baggies face a stern test in their opening month:
- Leicester City (H): A tough opener against the 2016 champions at The Hawthorns
- Everton (A): Sean Dyche’s physical Toffees at Goodison Park
- Chelsea (H): Pochettino’s revamped Blues visit the Black Country
“September will define our season,” says former West Brom defender Banglawin88 analyst Darren Moore. “Getting points early builds confidence for the survival battle ahead.”
Key Fixtures That Could Define Their Season
West Midlands Derbies: Fireworks Guaranteed
- Aston Villa (H) – December 16: The first Villa Park clash since 2018 promises electric atmosphere
- Wolves (A) – January 13: The Black Country derby returns after 11 years
- Aston Villa (A) – April 20: Potential relegation six-pointer at Villa Park
Christmas Crunch Time
The festive period brings daunting trips to:
- Liverpool (A) – December 26: Anfield on Boxing Day – the ultimate test
- Manchester United (A) – December 30: Old Trafford under the lights
Run-in and Survival Sunday
The final month presents a mixed bag:
- Wolves (H) – May 4: Local bragging rights at stake
- Arsenal (A) – May 11: Potential European hopefuls
- Leeds United (A) – May 19: Could be a straight shootout for survival
Tactical Outlook and Survival Chances
Bilic’s preferred 4-2-3-1 system served well in the Championship, but Premier League demands may require adaptation:
Strengths:
- Solid defensive organization
- Dangerous set-piece threats
- Emerging young talent like Grady Diangana
Weaknesses:
- Lack of proven Premier League goalscorers
- Susceptibility to high-pressing teams
- Thin squad depth
Banglawin88 transfer expert Mark Thompson notes: “West Brom‘s January business could be crucial. They’ll need 2-3 quality additions to stay up.”
Historical Context and Survival Statistics
Since 2010, promoted teams have a 53% survival rate in their first season. West Brom‘s previous Premier League experience gives them an edge over other newcomers. Their last survival campaign (2016/17) saw them finish 10th – a blueprint Bilic will study closely.
Final Prediction: A Nail-biting Campaign Ahead
While bookmakers install West Brom as relegation favorites, their organized approach and passionate fanbase could spring surprises. Banglawin88 predicts: 17th place finish – survival by the narrowest of margins.
Key to their chances will be:
- Home form against fellow strugglers
- Avoiding injury crises
- Stealing points in winnable away games
What’s your prediction for West Brom’s season? Share your thoughts with the Banglawin88 community below and don’t forget to check our daily Premier League updates for all the latest analysis!
