In many ways West Bromwich are the polar opposite of my side AFC Bournemouth. Tony Pulis’s side rely on defensive solidity and score much of their goals via set pieces.

In comparison we’re leaky like a sieve at the back, but can score via a multitude of ways. We can attack with pace, or play patient passing football. Often we even score from a set piece. Well, maybe not often.

It’s this focus on attack that I think might just be enough to get the better of the Baggies this Saturday too. With players like Jermain Defoe we’re even more lethal going forward.

Transfer top trumps

If you look at the transfer activity of the two sides then my optimism soars even higher. West Bromwich Albion haven’t exactly made waves in terms of new signings.

Jay Rodriguez is the only real player coming in that will be known to most Premier League aficionados. He has never really made waves at the top level yet due to a spate of injuries either. He did score a stunner against us for Southampton last season admittedly, but surely that won’t happen again. Surely.

In comparison we’ve strengthened the entire spine of our squad, with our already hugely effective attack bolstered by none other than Jermain Defoe. A player that – unlike Rodriguez – is known to always score goals on a consistent basis at the top level.

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Manager mojo

When you compare the managers the cards also fall in our favour. Eddie Howe is an exciting and forward thinking manager – with an attacking philosophy that it’s hard not to love.

Despite my respect for Tony Pulis, he is almost exactly the opposite. His footballing philosophy extends simply to making his sides incredibly well organised and tough to break down. Then hoping to pop up with a goal from a set piece if the opportunity arises.

Although this strategy is undoubtedly effective, and has resulted in West Bromwich Albion becoming an established top flight side, we’ve shown it’s possible to stay up by playing in a far more open and attractive way.

This will, I hope, mean we can aspire to greater things than the midlands side in the long-term. As well as helping us to win on Saturday of course.

Head to head

Finally, past games against West Bromwich Albion have shown that our sharper attacking edge often triumphs the midlands side’s stoic nature. Of four meetings we’ve won two and drawn one.

Yes, WBA won in our last meeting – but that was only via an Artur Boruc howler, and we were in a terrible run of form at the time.

So although this weekend’s game will almost certainly be tight, I have faith that we can carry on our momentum from last season and end up grabbing all three points.