Premier League Football: West Brom vs Bournemouth

West Brom face Bournemouth at the Hawthorns on Saturday afternoon, on the opening weekend of the 2017/18 Premier League season.

The Baggies come into this match in mixed form, after losing 2-0 to Crystal Palace in the Premier League Asia Trophy.

Luka Milivojevic put Palace ahead (11), with a fine curling free kick after great work from Wilfried Zaha.

Bakary Sako doubled their advantage just before half time (43), giving Palace a deserved 2-0 lead.

They had to withstand some late West Brom pressure, but it's an excellent result and a clean sheet for Frank De Boer's side.

It will be a tough season for Tony Pulis, especially after the club over achieved in last seasons Premier League.

They have lost the vast experience provided by former club captain Darren Fletcher, who has left for Stoke.

Jonny Evans has remained at the club, despite interest from other clubs in the Premier League.

The club also remain keen on a centre half, with Ben Gibson and Thomas Vermaelen linked with the Baggies.

West Brom come into this match as favourites, with home advantage decisive for the bookies.

Tony Pulis' men will be looking to win this opening fixture, maximising their home fixtures.

The Baggies will be looking to make it four wins in eight matches against the Cherries.

New Season

The Cherries come into this match on the back of a 2-2 draw against Napoli, an impressive result for Eddie Howe's side.

The highly rated Belgian Dries Mertens opened the scoring for the Italians (30), with a deflected shot past Begovic.

Benik Afobe (52) equalised for the Cherries, with Howe's men putting in a far better performance at the start of the second half.

Simon Francis proved to be the unlikely scorer for Bournemouth (76), with the Bournemouth defender neatly rounding the Napoli keeper.

Piotr Zielinski had the final say in the match with his equaliser (83), ensuring Napoli left the Vitality Stadium on equal terms.

Tough Start

Bournemouth had an excellent campaign last season, enjoying a top ten finish and finishing level on points with Southampton.

Eddie Howe has done an exceptional job with Bournemouth, bringing them up the leagues and keeping them in the top division.

He has looked to take the club forward, with three excellent signings in the form of Asmir Begovic, Jermaine Defoe and Nathan Ake.

They are all key areas within the side, along with the excellent performances last season expect Bournemouth to spring a further surprise.

Eddie Howe's side come into this match as underdogs, despite an excellent season last year.

This will be a tough match for Bournemouth, with the Baggies a tough proposition at the Hawthorns.

Bournemouth will be looking to make it four wins in eight matches against the Baggies.

Tip 1 – Defoe to score first @ 5/1

Tip 2 – 2-2 draw @ 14/1