July 10 2006

The Football League

West Brom will always live in my memory as the team that sent Palace down in that titanic struggle two seasons ago, writes Danny Hayes.

For me the Baggies were the worse team in that battle and escaped with a bit of luck - but now they are where they deserve to be.

Saying that, there is no doubting the quality throughout their squad. They possibly have the most strength in depth out of all the squads in the Championship. But they have a lot of questions to answer and this season will not be a walk in the park for them.

Their Squad

There is plenty of strength throughout their squad, starting with Nathan Ellington a proven scorer at this level and was starting to find his feet towards the end of last season. He is sure to have a profitable season if West Brom can keep hold of him. There are rumours circulating he could be on his way back to the Premiership.

Other strikers include John Hartson, Kevin Campbell, Diomansary Kamara and Kanu, all players capable, but all with questions hanging over them. Hartson, Campbell and Kanu are all reaching the twilight of their careers, whilst Kamara offers so much yet delivers very little.

The main threat will certainly come from the wide areas with Zoltan Gera and Jonathon Greening. But Gera struggled with injuries last year and his commitment to play at this level has to be questioned. Greening is another player that flatters to deceive, looking exceptional on his day but this is about as often as Simon Jordan keeping quiet.

Elsewhere, there is a strong look about the side. Curtis Davies has the potential to become a fantastic defender and if he stays, that will be a big boost for the Baggies.

Paul Robinson, Neil Clement, Nigel Quashie and Ronnie Wallwork all add much-needed steel to the side, whilst Thomas Kuszczak looks a top-notch keeper but he could be another player looking for a move back to the Premiership.

But there is plenty of back-up for West Brom, Richard Chaplow, Steve Watson, Jason Koumas and Chris Perry are all quality players that add the depth required for a long season.

Probable Starting XI

Thomas Kuszczak

Martin Albrechtsen Curtis Davies Neil Clement Paul Robinson

Zoltan Gera Ronnie Wallwork Nigel Quashie Jonathon Greening

Nathan Ellington John Hartson

Previous Meetings

01/02/05 – West Brom 2-2 Crystal Palace

23/10/04 – Crystal Palace 3-0 West Brom

27/03/04 – West Brom 2-0 Crystal Palace

20/09/03 – Crystal Palace 2-2 West Brom

When We Meet This Season

17/10/06 – Home

14/03/07 – Away

Prediction

You have to rate West Brom's chances, there is quality amongst the squad and there are plenty of players who have won promotion before. But I’ve got a feeling they may just struggle in the early stages and then suffer from inconsistency.

It would be no surprise to see them make the playoffs but they would not be worth backing at a short price for promotion.