Kevin Phillips predicts West Brom clash v Bournemouth
We’re delighted to welcome former West Brom striker Kevin Phillips as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at The Hawthorns…
Kevin Phillips has backed West Brom to earn a point away at Bournemouth as they kick off their Championship campaign on Friday night.
Valerien Ismael will take charge for the Albion for the first time in a competitive match at the Vitality Stadium, while the same goes for Scott Parker with the south coast club.
Both teams will be in the hunt for promotion to the Premier League this season and as long as the Baggies don’t lose, Phillips will be happy.
Speaking to West Brom News, the ex-Albion striker said: “It’s going to be tough.
“Bournemouth are a good side and have got a new manager in Scotty Parker, who did a good job at Fulham.
“But I can see them getting a half-decent result, I can see them getting a draw.
“Bournemouth is never an easy place to go and if they can come away from there with a point, it’ll be a good start to the season.
“The last thing they want to do is lose their first game so I’m going to go for a 1-1 draw.”
West Brom will go into the match having enjoyed a strong pre-season, winning their most recent match 4-0 against local rivals Birmingham City at St Andrew’s.
Phillips has joked that while results in friendlies ultimately don’t matter, it may give the Albion a bit of a boost prior to their trip to the south coast.
“It counts for nothing,” the ex-striker added. “But it’s always nice to go into the season in good form in pre-season.”
West Brom have won just two of their last seven meetings with Bournemouth in all competitions.
The last time Albion opened the season against the Cherries was in 2017 when Ahmed Hegazi scored on his debut in a 1-0 win at The Hawthorns.
Tony Pulis was in charge of that game, which also kicked off a season that saw the Black Country club suffer relegation from the Premier League.
In other West Brom news, Peter Odemwingie has sent a message to Pereira amid the latest controversy at The Hawthorns.
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