Carlton Palmer predicts result of West Brom Championship clash v Blackburn
BBC pundit Carlton Palmer believes West Brom are “slightly the stronger” team than Blackburn but it could be a “difficult” campaign for both teams ahead of the Championship opener at Ewood Park on Saturday (5 August).
Palmer speaking to Football League World (3 August), believes that the loss of the likes of Karlan Grant, Jake Livermore and Dara O’Shea for Carlos Corberan means West Brom could endure a difficult season.
Both sides finished in the top half of the Championship last season but outside of the play-off spots, and their summer business has been more about cutting costs rather than pushing forward.
The Baggies have managed to get signings over the line in the end, completing deals for Brighton forward Jeremy Sarmiento on loan and former Sunderland striker Josh Maja.
And Palmer predicts a draw on Saturday between the two teams. He said: “It’s been a very difficult summer for both clubs in a very similar situation – both have to sell or move players on to balance the books before they can bring players in.
“Blackburn have lost leading goalscorer Ben Brereton Diaz, Bradley Dack, Daniel Ayala – this is a big, experienced core of their dressing room.
“They have however signed the exciting Niall Ennis from Plymouth, which I think is a good move.
“West Brom have lost Dara O’Shea, the Irish defender, their best defender, they’ve lost Jake Livermore and Karlan Grant.
“I think there is little to choose between these two sides, I think West Brom are slightly the stronger team, a difficult season ahead for both – I predict a draw.”
Difficult to predict
It has indeed been a rather difficult and testing summer for Corberan and West Brom, forced to let key players such as O’Shea and Grant go but for rather much-needed funds.
Despite the difficulty, the Baggies have managed to push through some superb business for Sarmiento and Maja, as well as managing to keep goalkeeper Alex Palmer at the club despite Premier League interest.
With a gruelling Championship season to come, it was absolutely imperative the club kept some of their key players at the club as well as adding a small touch of quality which they’ve done brilliantly in the Sarmiento and Maja deals.
The question remains however, will that be enough for them to challenge the likes of Southampton, Leicester City and Middlesborough next season?
Corberan underwent a spectacular job last season, getting the club to within an inch of a play-off place with limited resources but given the rising quality and standards of the English second division, West Brom may not be so fortunate this season.
If the Spaniard can be backed with a few more additions through the door then the Baggies can be well inclined to feel they can push the likes of Leicester and Southampton. Saturday’s tie at Ewood Park will provide Corberan with some big lessons about his current squad with just under a month of the transfer window to go.
In other West Brom news, one “amazing” Hawthorns talent could leave this month.