How will the midlands teams get on?

Probably a bit early to judge, but I think all four are in a stronger position than last year.

Pulls & Sherwood can mould the teams to their styles, so I would expect both teams battling between 10 - 15th

Hughes has done a great job at Stoke and I think they will be mid table.

As for Leicester a much improved squad, even if it's just for prem experience, obviously a big decision to make in regards to the manager.

As longs as they don't go for some manager just because they have a cool sounding foreign name they should be fine.

Too early to say really. For Villa, it depends on takeover and whether we keep Benteke

Stoke 8th - 10th
Villa 12th-18th
Leicester 15th-18th
WBA 13th-17th

Stoke 8th
West Brom 10th
Leicester 16th
Villa 17th

With the looming takeover, coupled with Pulis. I'd be surprised if we were in a relegation battle.
Our record under him last season was top 10

Strong rumours at Albion that the 'new owner'/'major shareholder' is a Chinese businessman worth £25bn.

Matty Phillips signing reported as being done. Albion outbid Villa and Leicester so, imo, most of the above comments are pretty wide of the mark.

Villa to struggle big time, with Tim putting the arguement to bed about how useless he is.
Leicester to implode again around about Xmas and Stoke to be comfortable mid-table.

If the Albion sale goes through quickly, then maybe Pulis will get the funds he needs after all, so should do better than otherwise might. Say 19th up from 20th...

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The good thing is too that their name will be changed as well as that 'orrible kit they wear...

...I had completely forgot about BCFC...

New owners, like new anything in football, is a massive gamble. As has been said, will it be a Tony Fenandes, Venky, Tan or a Sheik Monsour or a Roman Abramovic.

Only time will tell, as it will with Villa who are also up for sale.