Prediction: West Brom vs Leicester

Prediction: Draw

Best Odds: 13/5

Bookmaker: 888sport

The Premier League is back in our lives once again this weekend after a short and sweet break, courtesy of the quick turnaround due to the COVID-19 pandemic. All 20 teams have been making preparations ahead of what looks set to be a very competitive league campaign, and today, we’re going to be previewing the clash between West Bromwich Albion and Leicester City. The home side will try and avoid relegation after their return to the top flight, whereas the visitors will try and prove that they’re still an elite club after their capitulation last season.

West Brom

Slaven Bilic knows what it’s like to compete at this level as a manager and he recognised that his side needed to make crucial changes in the summer to stand a chance of staying up. They’ve made a few key signings but they’ll still be tipped as one of the favourites for the drop, and as such, the pressure is on them to go out there and prove why they belong in the top tier.

Team News

Townsend and Zohore are the two big injury doubts for West Brom heading into the weekend. Elsewhere, Diangana is expected to feature after his big move from West Ham.

Leicester

There’s no way of getting around it: Leicester City’s end to the 2019/20 campaign was abysmal, and it cost them a place in the UEFA Champions League. While they do have the UEL to get excited about this time around, many supporters will simply want them to steady the ship and maintain a top half finish – or, at the very least, avoid slipping into an unlikely relegation scrap. In reality, though, this is the type of season that could surprise us all in either a positive or negative manner.

Team News

There are serious issues from an injury standpoint at the King Power with Evans out through suspension, Morgan being a doubt and Fuchs being ruled out. Maddison’s hip injury could also keep him out, whereas Pereira is still recovering from his knee injury.

Factors to Consider

• In their last meeting back in March 2018, Leicester beat West Brom 4-1.
• West Brom won two, drew three and lost one of their final six games last season.
• Leicester won two, drew one and lost three of their final six games last season.
• West Brom scored 10 goals and conceded seven in their final six games last season.
• Leicester scored seven goals and conceded 10 in their final six games last season.

Conclusion

There’s definitely going to be a feeling out process for West Bromwich Albion as they try to get back into the swing of competitive Premier League football, and for that reason, we believe the Foxes are going to take an early lead and really make it difficult for the Baggies to get going. Alas, we feel as if West Brom have more than a few tricks up their sleeve, and we’re backing them to come away from their opening game with an impressive point against Brendan Rodgers’ men.

Prediction: Draw

Best Odds: 13/5

Bookmaker: 888sport