Hoefkens eyes victories

Albion right-back Carl Hoefkens has already pinpointed out the games he believes the Baggies have a chance of picking up points against, despite being given the tricky task of travelling to the Emirates Stadium on the opening day of the season.

The Belgium international will be one of a select few from his homeland to grace the Premiership, but despite lots of media attention back home, Hoefkens has singled out the less glamorous fixtures ahead of Old Trafford, Anfield and Stamford Bridge, however exciting they may be.

"Playing at the Emirates should be great and what makes it even more exciting is that's it's the first game," he added.

"We've got nothing to lose.

"We can just play our game because no-one thinks we're going to win.

"It's the perfect way to start, really.

"It's up to us to measure up against these big teams.

"That's what it's all about in the Premier League.

"We shouldn't fear anyone but we should have respect for the other teams because they all have loads of qualities.

"But if you go into games with fear, you won't get many points.

"When I saw the fixtures for the first time, it so not so much the big teams I looked for but more the teams we have a very good chance of taking three points against.

"These games are more important than playing Manchester United, Arsenal or Chelsea away, which are the games where we are not expected to get many points."