The opening match of the 2021-2022 Championship season pitches two rejects from the Premier League as Bournemouth takes on West Brom. The match schedules for Friday at the Vitality Stadium, with kickoff at 9:45 pm.
Bournemouth finished off sixth last season for a spot in the playoffs before losing to Brentford in the semi-finals. On the other hand, West Brom was relegated from England’s top-flight last season.
Things for the Red and Blacks took a turn for the worse last season after a spirited fight in the end. However, it was a teary moment for Bournemouth after losing out in the playoff semi-finals.
Moreover, a good run in the Championship saw the Cherries pick up 77 points from their 46 matches.
Scott Parker remains with a major task in promoting them back to the Premier League. Whether the former Fulham manager could lead the club back into the Premier League remains a waiting game.
On the other hand, Sam Allardyce could not prevent the Baggies from relegation after a horrid run at the bottom of the battle. The side got relegated alongside Fulham and Sheffield United. The Baggies remain contenders to return to the top flight.
New manager Valerien Ismael got a rude start after a rumored fall-out with attacking midfielder Mattheus Perreira. The side head into the campaign following a 4-0 win over Birmingham City.
Bournemouth vs. West Brom Head to Head
Both sides have ten games against each other, with Bournemouth taking four wins while West Brom also has four wins. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
- Bournemouth 5-0 MK Dons
- Chelsea 2-1 Bournemouth
- Granada 2-1 Bournemouth
- Bournemouth 4-2 RB Linense
- Brentford 3-1 Bournemouth
Away
- Birmingham City 0-4 West Brom
- Watford 0-0 West Brom
- West Brom 2-0 Sheffield Wednesday
- Woking 0-1 West Brom
- Tamworth 3-1 West Brom
Bournemouth Team News
Scott Parker starts his campaign in the championship without the services of Jefferson Lerma and Chris Mepham through suspension. In addition, Jack Stacey and Steve Cook miss out through injuries. Other unavailable figures ahead of the new season include Ben Pearson, Davis, and Arnaut Danjuma.
West Brom Team News
New signing Reach will not get his first debut on an opening day, as announced by Ismael. The saga with Mattheus Perreria continues with an imminent move set for the midfielder. However, the attacking option available includes Diangana and Karlan Grant.
Prediction and Odds
We expect a heated encounter from both sides, given the nature of the opening day encounters.
- Draw
- Double Chance
- Goals Over 2.5
