West Brom sign ex-Newcastle United gem for dream predicted XI ahead of season opener
West Brom are expected to compete for promotion next season
After learning off the likes of Jose Mourinho, Antonio Conte, Nuno Espirito Santo and Ange Postecoglou, Ryan Mason will begin his solo career in professional management with West Brom when he leads his team out to face Blackburn Rovers on the opening day.
West Brom finished last season in ninth position and picked up just 64 points, marking their worst points tally in a second tier campaign for 25 years.
However, hope remains eternal at the Hawthorns that this season can be different under a new manager and with potentially a few exciting signings before the window slams shut. With that in mind, using AI’s Grok tool, we take a look at how West Brom could lineup for their opener against Blackburn Rovers.
Goalkeeper and defence
GK: Josh Griffiths: Griffiths is expected to take the No.1 spot following Alex Palmer’s January departure. He impressed on loan at Bristol Rovers last season and is expected to be handed an opportunity to prove himself.
RB: Darnell Furlong: AI expects Darnell Furlong to be a regular in defence once again. He’s described as a mainstay at right-back and a consistent performer after contributing one goal and three assists last term.
CB:Torbjorn Heggem: AI claims the defender’s versatility to play as a centre back and left-back makes him almost a certain starter throughout the season.
CB: Nat Phillips: The former Liverpool centre back is expected to be a key figure in defence following his move from Anfield.
LB: Jamal Lewis (signing): The former Newcastle United man once cost the club £12m but is now a free agent, making him an attractive option for West Brom. He has previously experienced promotion with Norwich City and may prove to be a shrewd addition.
Midfield and attack
CM: Alex Mowatt: The former Leeds United midfielder remains a key presence in the middle of the park and is expected to feature regularly throughout the campaign. He contributed seven goals and two assists in 43 matches last season in a fairly productive campaign.
CM: Jayson Molumby: AI expects Republic of Ireland international Jayson Molumby to be an important player due to his tenacity and excellent workrate.
CAM:Jamie Donley (signing): Ryan Mason is expected to use his Tottenham connections to his advantage to land youngster Jamie Donley on a season-long loan deal. He impressed at Leyton Orient last season under the management of Richie Wellens and offers a real goal threat.
RM: Tom Fellows: AI believes West Brom will retain the services of star winger Tom Fellows despite strong interest from Everton in the Premier League. Don Goodman has previously claimed another year in the Championship would do the winger good.
LM: Mikey Moore (signing): AI suggest that Tottenham winger Mikey Moore could arrive on loan to continue his development. He scored in the Europa League last season and looked bright in patches under Ange Postecoglou but likely needs a run of regular games to achieve his full potential.
ST: Josh Maja: AI believes Josh Maja will lead the line for most of the campaign due to his Championship pedigree. He scored 12 in 26 appearances last season and was a massive player for the Baggies before his injury.