West Brom vs Bolton: Anticipation building for start of Darren Moore era

Before kick-off, anything feels possible, and weeks of anticipation steadily built up in the vacuum of the summer reach a euphoric crescendo when the referee blows his whistle for the first time.

Those possibilities feel even greater this season now the Baggies are in a division they could actually win.

There are always new faces to pore over, new playing styles to analyse, and even though Albion’s predicted exodus has not yet materialised, there has still been plenty of movement in the summer.

Five signings have been made so far, and while it is highly unlikely all will feature in this curtain-raiser with Bolton, Kyle Bartley, Harvey Barnes and Sam Johnstone could all make their competitive debut in blue and white.

On top of all that, there is the added excitement of a first real look at Darren Moore’s vision for the side.

Moore worked wonders towards the end of last season when he picked up the pieces of a squad on its knees, but he has now had time to mould the team into something that is closer to his image.

Not that anyone should expect the finished article in this fixture.

This is Moore’s first full season in charge, he deserves time to find his preferred style.

However, considering the opposition’s turbulent summer that has seen their players go on strike, and the difference between the two clubs’ spending power, Albion should be favourites.

Moore will be roared on by a nearly-full Hawthorns too, following successful season ticket sales and keen opening-day interest.

But of course, it would be dangerous to read too much into any result tomorrow.

There have been far too many false dawns on opening day – the Baggies won their opening three matches of last season remember – and far too many premature meltdowns too.

The Championship season is longer, and harder. As the cliche goes, it is a marathon, and a gruelling one at that, rather than a sprint.

What’s more, with the transfer window still open, Albion’s squad could look markedly different come this time next week once it has shut, and even after then clubs can still complete loan deals until the end of August.

But the Baggies do need to get out of the blocks quickly this month. Albion have five games in their first 15 days of the season.

Moore is being chucked in at the deep end and the waves will come thick and fast.

A decent start in August could give him a solid platform to mount a promotion challenge, but a stuttering one will force him to play catch-up.

But first things first; Bolton.

Hopefully it is the start of a successful journey and the full-length version of the Moore era turns out to be just as enjoyable as the six-part teaser was last season.

Darren Moore says:

"I don’t like to say too much about this but I’m changing the culture around here. We must now prepare for what going to be a tough season opener."

Key man:

Fans will want to see a new signing shine, and following his brace last weekend, Harvey Barnes could be the one to get the pulses racing

Likely line-up:

Albion (4-4-1-1): Johnstone, Nyom, Hegazi, Bartley, Gibbs, Phillips, Brunt, Livermore, Barnes, Morrison, Rodriguez

Subs: Bond, Townsend, Dawson, Field, Burke, Rondon, Robson-Kanu.

Bolton (4-4-2): Alnwick, Olkowski, Beevers, Wheater (C), Taylor, Wildschut, Lowe, Vela, Le Fondre, Magennis, Donaldson.

Memory lane:

In March 1980, Peter Barnes scored a hat-trick, with two penalties, against Bolton in a stunning 4-4 draw at The Hawthorns. Remi Moses got the other.