However, unfortunately there are still some flaws in West Bromwich Albion team that may need addressing before the transfer window closes. Witnessing the defeat to United, the lack of quality in the defence could be vital in their premier league attempts this season. With Tamas and Olsson attempting to provide the strength and stature to strike fear in the opposition strikers, I feel that the likes of Torres, Bent and Van Persie will be relishing their chances, hoping to notch up a goal or two to keep their chances of the Premier League Golden Boot alive. With new signing McAuley alongside make-shift right back Stephen Reid, it seems that there are frailties in the back line that need addressing to ensure that if Odemwingie and co.
Score 3, they do not concede 4. A potential solution would be to move Paul Scharner back into central defence, away from the midfield role that he filled on Sunday. This, in my opinion, would provide a bit more solidarity in a potential stumbling block for Roy Hodgson and his team. With a large chunk of the transfer budget spent, these solutions may have to be considered unless money can be raised elsewhere.
With all things considered, this current West Bromwich Albion side have found a reasonable balance within their team. Despite being a long, long way to go in this current Premier League season, there are some definite positives to see already for all die hard Baggies fans. However, drawing back to reality for just a moment, their first game, despite a competent performance against a tough side, resulted in a loss, something that must not be overly common this season. If West Brom can invest further in a centre half, to partner either Olsson or Scharner, alongside a right back that exceeds the quality of Stephen Reid or Gonzalo Jara Reyes, then the navy and white stripes of West Brom will be looking to climb the Premier League once more.
The signings of Long and Foster provide further depth to their squad, something that both Blackburn and Wolves have not gone far enough to achieve during the Transfer Window. This, alongside the likes of QPR and Norwich already finding it tough to cope with the higher standard of opposition, I feel that the current squad will have enough quality to compete for a mid-table finish once more come the end of the season.
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Or have a look at the ten strikers that we think will lead the race for the Golden Boot next season