As the Premier League season approaches for Slaven Bilić's Baggies, learn more about some of the teams they will face in the top flight this season.
Here is a rundown of every Premier League side's boss, how they fared in 2019/20, their key man and a memorable encounter against Albion.
You can catch-up on Part One or Two, or read Part Three below...
Newcastle United
The gaffer…
A 22-year managerial career has brought Steve Bruce back to his childhood roots with Newcastle. Renowned for his success at the back for Manchester United during his playing days, Bruce grew up in Corbridge, Northumberland just 16 miles away from his latest club. The 59-year-old has managed 11 clubs, including Newcastle's rivals Sunderland, and Midlands clubs Birmingham City and Aston Villa.
Last season…
Newcastle responded well after the resumption of the Premier League - going four games unbeaten and, despite a poor end to the campaign in July, finished in the same position but just a point short of what Bruce’s predecessor achieved the year prior.
Star man…
Great intrigue surrounded the arrival of exciting French star Allan Saint-Maximin on Tyneside last year and during his first season in England, the winger lived up to the buzz in fine style. Albion fans caught a glimpse of the ability on offer from the speedy, unpredictable winger when Newcastle came to The Hawthorns last season and after racking up 11 direct goal involvement in 30 matches, the 23-year-old will no doubt continue his reputation as a game-changer this year.
Memorable clash…
Despite the defeat, last season’s 3-2 encounter in the FA Cup was a fine spectacle, but it didn’t compare to the winning feeling Albion secured in 2011 at St James’ Park thanks to a late winner from Paul Scharner in a five-goal thriller.
Sheffield United
The gaffer…
Chris Wilder has enjoyed a steady rise to the pinnacle of English football since getting into management in 2001. Spells with Alfreton and Halifax Town elevated his profile before achieving his first major success at Oxford United - securing promotion to the English Football League in his first full season via the National League Play-Off final in 2010. The former defender comfortably secured United’s spot in England’s fourth tier before leaving for league rivals Northampton in 2014. Wilder conquered various challenges to guide the East Midlands outfit to League One in his second full season in charge. After two years, Wilder was tasked with bringing success while at the helm of boyhood club Sheffield United, a challenge he met emphatically - winning two promotions in three seasons to secure the return of top-flight football to Bramall Lane.
Last season…
Although many assumed that United would struggle back in the Premier League, they responded in commendable fashion by securing a ninth-placed finish - their best in the division since 1993.
Star man…
Forward Billy Sharp made his way back to his boyhood club for a third stint in 2015. Having grown up and developed in Sheffield United’s Academy ranks, previous management and regimes limited Sharp’s time with the Blades but since returning to his roots, the striker has established himself in club folklore. An abundance of goals from the now 34-year-old have not only seen him exceed 100 goals for United and achieve the dream of taking his club back to the big time, but in the process he has become their all-time leading scorer.
Memorable clash…
Chris Wilder’s men were powerless to stop Darren Moore’s Albion side during the festive period in 2018 when full-back Kieran Gibbs struck the winner in South Yorkshire.
Southampton
The gaffer…
One result stands out to a neutral when Southampton gaffer Ralph Hassenhüttl is mentioned - that unfortunate and record-breaking 9-0 home defeat against former champions Leicester City last season. It was the heaviest home defeat any team has suffered in the history of the Premier League, something that would’ve been unimaginable to the Austrian upon his arrival in England in 2018 following his success coaching in Germany - most notably with RB Leipzig and and FC Ingolstadt 04.
Last season…
That disheartening defeat at St Mary’s in October could have defined the Saints’ season, but their response was commendable as they put the setback behind them and came just shy of a top-10 finish. They beat Leicester in the reverse fixture and post-lockdown, Southampton finished the season strongly losing just once in nine matches which meant their manager picked up July’s Premier League Manager of the Month award.
Star man…
Danny Ings’ rise to prominence was recognised not just by English football but also on the national stage by Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate who gave the forward his return to the international fold in the recent UEFA Nations League squad after a prolific year in front of goal. The 28-year-old striker netted 22 goals, the highest amount he’s ever achieved in a league campaign - let alone a Premier League one - and was one goal behind Golden Boot winner Jamie Vardy.
Memorable clash…
Goals from Marc-Antoine Fortuné, Romelu Lukaku and current Saints forward Shane Long capped off a fine evening on the south coast as the Baggies cruised to a convincing victory in 2013.
Tottenham Hotspur
The gaffer…
José Mourinho doesn’t need much of an introduction other than as a serial winner. He’s won the Champions League twice, while winning the FA Cup, League Cup and Premier League here in England with Chelsea and in his recent stint in England with Manchester United he lifted the EFL Cup, Community Shield and Europa League trophy. The Portuguese manager’s pedigree is high with the likes of Real Madrid, Inter Milan and Porto benefitting from his managerial wisdom over the course of his career.
Last season…
Battle between former club compatriots ensued in the capital but it would be the student who came out on top after Frank Lampard’s Chelsea pipped José’s Spurs to fourth place and ended the long-running slog for the final Champions League spot. Plagued by injuries to key players, Tottenham finished sixth on level points but superior goal difference to Wolves and will be mounting a challenge for European silverware when they enter the Europa League this term.
Star man…
Spurs have an array of fine attacking talent at their disposal, but none more renowned than accomplished finisher and England leader Harry Kane. Developing through Tottenham’s youth system, Kane had to experience initial loan spells before breaking into the first team but once he did, the striker never looked back. He has won several Premier League Golden Boot awards, lit up the stage during the 2018 World Cup by winning the FIFA Golden Boot and pushed Spurs to new heights, helping them reach the Champions League final in 2019. The 27-year-old has been the Club’s leading talisman for the last six seasons.
Memorable clash…
Two late goals courtesy of Roman Bednar and Craig Beattie boosted Albion hopes of Premier League survival back in 2008, showing their resolve to see off a 10-man Spurs team.
West Ham United
The gaffer…
David Moyes has experienced a turbulent run of affairs since his first appointment at the London Stadium in 2017. The Hammers were struggling going into 2018 but Moyes steadied the ship and maintained top flight survival but was not offered an extension to his original six-month deal. Manuel Pellegrini’s failure taking over meant the Scotsman was drafted back in over a year later during the festive period and again, led the London outfit away from danger. The 57-year-old spent time at Manchester United but his best spell was at Everton, where he won several LMA Manager of the Year awards and led the Toffees to Europe on numerous occasions.
Last season…
Pellegrini left the capital with West Ham teetering above the relegation zone when David Moyes arrived just after Christmas. A 16th-placed finish ensured their Premier League status and once again Moyes proved his worth to the Hammers faithful.
Star man…
Michail Antonio has proved to be a real handful to Premier League defences over the last few years. Injuries have blighted the forward’s progress in recent seasons but the versatile 30-year-old is back to his best, leading the West Ham line with 10 goals and three assists last term and as Dara O’Shea found out during Albion’s FA Cup win over the Hammers last season, Antonio’s physicality will bring up more than a few tussles this year.
Memorable clash…
Here’s the moment when Conor Townsend’s maiden Albion goal sent the travelling army wild and provided a memorable day in the capital.
Wolverhampton Wanderers
The gaffer…
Nuno Espírito Santo has revolutionised and evolved the football played at Molineux since taking on the challenge of helping them fulfil their top-flight potential back in 2017. A real coup at the time considering Wanderers’ were in the Championship and his last role was in the hot-seat of Portuguese giants Porto, Santo secured promotion to the Premier League in his first full season and has since established Albion’s rivals as a solid and competitive outfit in England’s elite division.
Last season…
Wolves enjoyed a successful run in Europe before they were knocked out at the quarter-final stages of the Europa League last term and their Premier League campaign was also encouraging, finishing seventh, which puts them in a good position to challenge across several competitive fronts again this season.
Star man…
Raúl Jiménez, like his gaffer, quickly adapted to the speed and intensity of English football after originally joining on loan in 2018 before completing a permanent switch to the Midlands from Benfica. He’s been voted as the Players’ Player of the Season for the last two years and with his clinical nature in front of goal, it’s easy to see why. He notched 27 goals last season - 10 more than he managed in his first year - and has been Wanderers’ top-scorer during both of his seasons at the club.
Memorable clash…
Who could forget Albion’s storming display at Molinuex back in 2012… a 5-1 win, away from home, we’ll let you re-live it again: