West Brom have lost their opening two games although their fans whilst Stoke have started with two credible draws.
Opening your season against the Premier League top two is a tough ask and Albion fans will certainly forgive their side after they lost narrowly against Man Utd and Chelsea. Their season starts now as they host Stoke and the Hawthorns faithful will be looking for their side to snatch all three points on Sunday afternoon. Shane Long has started his Albion career on fire scoring in both games this season and looks to be a shrewd signing by boss Roy Hodgson. Peter Odemwingie is also fully fit and a partnership with Long should prove to be a handful for Tony Pulis’s side. The Baggies are at full strength with no injury worries and will fancy their chances against the Potters who have drawn their opening two games.
Pulis’ side are still searching for their first three points of the campaign and had Kenwyne Jones to thank after his injury time goal spared their blushes to secure a 1-1 draw away at newly promoted Norwich. The Stoke boss has failed to strengthen his squad sufficiently this summer with Jonathan Woodgate the only man coming through the doors at the Britannia Stadium. Rory Delap will miss the trip to the Midlands with a hamstring injury leaving Stoke without their long throw weapon that has proved so effective over the past few seasons.
Despite losing both games so far this season West Brom have played well and should have enough to overcome a Stoke side also searching for their first win of the campaign.
Key Players
Shane Long – Despite being just two games into his career at the Hawthorns he is already a vital member of the squad and will prove to be a nuisance for the Potters defence on Sunday.
Kenwyne Jones – The big man up front for Stoke grabbed a vital equaliser away at Norwich last week and is a handful for any team. Pulis will need him to be on top form if his side are to secure their first three points of the season.
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Verdict: 1-0
