08-08-2019, 22:09
![[Image: zzj1TGK.jpg]](https://i.imgur.com/zzj1TGK.jpg)
Contrary to our hopes, there was no Gayle breezing into Albion's squad on deadline day, but nevertheless it looks to have been one of the most successful transfer windows in Albion's recent history, and Slaven Bilic certainly can't complain that there's a lack of bodies at his disposal. Now it just remains to be seen what he does with them, and whether they're up to the task of firing the Baggies back to the big-time.
That peculiar stroke of (mis)fortune that so often doubles up our fixtures in league and cup has struck again, and so in the coming days we'll be playing Millwall in a double-header, the first match being Saturday's Championship encounter in which we'll look to build on a solid win at the City Ground last week. That performance showed flashes of a more mobile and creative midfield than we've had in years, coupled with some pretty solid defending after the early nerves had settled. The one big question mark was over Zohore up front, and it remains to be seen whether Bilic will keep faith with the Dane, and for how long, because over a full season, keeper errors and goals from wingers will not a promotion make. New boy Charlie Austin is the obvious replacement, but having spent so long on the sidelines, there's no guarantee he'll be ready to be thrown in at the deep end.
There's also no guarantee that the Lions will be a pushover on Saturday, having begun their season with a clean sheet and three points against Preston, on top of soundly beating us in a miserable last encounter down in Bermondsey in the spring. But the cornerstone of a successful campaign will be grinding out results at home in even the toughest of fixtures, and there's no reason why that shouldn't commence this weekend.
"I would rather spend a holiday in Tuscany than in the Black Country, but if I were compelled to choose between living in West Bromwich or Florence, I should make straight for West Bromwich." - J.B. Priestley
