ADAM Goodwin (@agjournalism) shares his betting views on Super Sunday's contest between West Brom and Stoke.
West Brom v Stoke | Sunday 13:30 | Sky Sports
The Baggies have started the season with two wins but have done so in typical West Brom fashion. Two 1-0 wins against Bournemouth and Burnley has left them in third at this early stage in the Premier League season.
On Friday, they completed the signing of RB Leipzig winger Oliver Burke, and he will be hoping to make his debut at the Hawthorns this weekend.
Stoke have also started the season with two 1-0’s. They lost to Everton on the opening day of the campaign at Goodison Park, but a goal on Jese’s debut ensured they inflicted defeat on Arsenal at home last weekend.
Stoke have had a tricky start to season and an away game at West Brom won’t make thing any easier for gaffer Mark Hughes.
West Brom
This has been one of the best transfer windows in recent times for West Brom and they seem to be typical Tony Pulis signings. Along with Oliver Burke, they’ve brought in former Southampton striker Jay Rodriguez, Egyptian international Ahmed Hegazy and Premier League stalwart Gareth Barry.
All of these players aren’t known for their technical ability, but will work hard for the team and that’s exactly what Tony Pulis wants from his players.
West Brom enjoyed playing at the Hawthorns against bottom half teams last season, where they won six, drew one and lost two. They also beat Arsenal and drew to Tottenham at home, something that will give them confidence going into this one.
Stoke
When they played Arsenal last weekend, Stoke had more Champions League winners in their starting XI than the Gunners, which shows how much experience Mark Hughes has in his ranks.
The signing of Jese from PSG looks to be a great bit of business and, along with a goal on his debut, looked lively throughout. The Potters also managed to bring Darren Fletcher from their opponents this weekend West Brom, and he will add some solidity to a side full of flair.
As I mentioned earlier, Stoke have an extremely tough start to the season and I’m sure they’ll be happy with a point away at the Hawthorns this weekend.
Mark Hughes was fancied by many to be the first Premier League manager sacked this campaign, and with a good result on Sunday, he could be set to prove those critics wrong.
The betting angle
When you look at West Brom’s home form last season, it’s hard to look past them this weekend. They’ve scraped past Burnley and Bournemouth so far, and I can see a similarly cagey affair against Stoke.
My best bet is West Brom to win and Under 3.5 Goals – you can back it at 39/20 at BetStars.
Best Bets
West Brom v Stoke – West Brom to win and Under 3.5 Goals (39/20 BetStars)
