Slaven Bilić used the final hours of Thursday’s deadline to reinforce his attacking options ahead of Millwall’s visit to The Hawthorns. Strikers Charlie Austin and Chris Willock came in to strengthen West Bromwich Albion’s prowess in front of goal, joined by wingers Grady Diangana and Matheus Pereira to complete the Baggies 2019/20 squad.
Slaven Bilić Reinforces Attacking Options
Slaven Bilić Completes Deadline Day Incomings
West Bromwich Albion completed four deals in the final hours of the summer transfer window as Slaven Bilić bolstered his attack. Striker Charlie Austin signed from Southampton for £4 million, the 30-year-old has pedigree in this division, scoring 70 goals in 132 Championship appearances.
Bilić also added a trio of loan signings to his already strengthened squad. Grady Diangana joined from West Ham United, where he signed his first professional contract under Slaven Bilić in 2016. The young winger made 17 Premier League appearances last season and was promptly followed into the Hawthorns by Brazilian winger Matheus Pereira.
Pereira impressed in a 19-game loan spell at then-Bundesliga side FC Nurnburg last season and was nominated for their rookie of the year award. He can play out wide or up top and looks to be a shrewd move by the Midlands club.
Albion’s final loan signing was striker Chris Willock from Benfica. The 21-year-old spent 14 years at Arsenal before joining the Portuguese side in 2017. He’s also represented England at every age group from under-16’s to under-20’s.
Opening Weekend
Both West Brom and Millwall opened their Sky Bet Championship campaign with a victory last week. West Brom battled back after going behind at the City Ground, continuing the trend from last season in which only Aston Villa recovered more points after going behind in games.
After finding themselves a goal down ten minutes into the game the Baggies doubled down and found a foothold in midfield. New signings Romaine Sawyers and Filip Krovinovic played at ease through the middle in a calm and confident manner whilst Kyle Edwards on the left gave West Brom an added injection of venom, not seen since Harvey Barnes returned to Leicester City in January.
Millwall opened their campaign with victory at The Den against Preston North End. A stunning Jed Wallace volley ensured the 1-0 win for Neil Harris’ side. Preston barely had a sniff of the Millwall goal as the Lions limited opposition chances significantly. It’s a performance and a result that showed signs of real promise as they travel to the Black Country with some optimism.
Team News
Late knocks to Kieran Gibbs and Kyle Edwards put a dampener on West Brom’s win last week, both will be assessed ahead of Millwall visit. Ahmed Hegazi is out until mid-September meaning that Semi Ajayi and Kyle Bartley will again play at the back.
Millwall goalkeeper Frankie Fielding went off through injury in the first half against Preston North End. Bartosz Bialkowski expected to start alongside the same 10 outfield players that started last week, with a 4-4-1-1 setup likely.
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