Hope everyone has had a good Summer so far and are looking forward to the new season. With the Summer sports in full swing, cricket and the IAAF World Championships in London, the Premier League opens for another season. The first season in this league we finished in 16th place on 42 points. Last season the team improved on that and finished in a respectful 9th place with 46 points. The aim now will be to better that.
The Cherries make the trip to the Midlands to play West Bromwich Albion the team managed by our former player and manager Tony Pulis. The ‘Baggies’ finished last season in 10th place, one point and one place behind AFCB.
There are several suggestions of the origins of WBA`s nickname of the ‘Baggies`. Back in the early days of the club`s history a number of the fans worked in the ironworks and because of the intense heat wore loose fitting baggy clothes and after work would go straight to the match and stand on the terraces in those baggy clothes, hence the nickname.
Tony Pulis has been fairly quiet in the transfer market so far and has only paid one fee which is £15 million for striker Jay Rodriguez from Southampton. Amongst his other signings is a season long loan for Egyptian International defender Ahmed Hagazy from Al Ahly.
West Bromwich Albion Team News:
With a new season Tony Pulis should nearly have a fully fit squad to choose from for this opening game in front of his home crowd, there are one or two players who are doubtful for this game.
Player to watch: Nacer Chadli
Last season the MOM was Jake Livermore. Jay Rodriguez has caused us problems and will be out to impress the home supporters, but if on form Nacer Chadli will also be a player to watch.
AFC Bournemouth Team News:
Eddie Howe has a very strong squad to pick from, including his four Summer signings, Asmir Begovic and Nathan Ake from Chelsea, Jermain Defoe from Sunderland and Connor Mahoney from Blackburn Rovers. It has been reported that Jermain Defoe was back in training but Steve Cook didn`t take part.
Player to watch: Jermain Defoe
Jermain Defoe, a natural goalscorer during his career, should make a formidable partnership with Josh King up front.
Match Facts & Stats
Last season on our visit to the Hawthorns we lost by the odd goal with WBA winning 2-1. The earlier game at Dean Court was a 1-0 win for the Cherries. Over the seasons in the league our visits to West Brom have AFCB wins 1, drawn 2 and lost 4. In all competitions home and away, the Cherries have won 7, drawn 4 and lost 8.
