West Bromwich Albion welcome Newcastle United to The Hawthorns in a huge clash in the battle for Premier League survival live on Amazon Prime on Super Sunday.
Victory for West Brom could put them within six points of safety whereas Newcastle could climb as high as 16th with a win.
Team News
West Brom have no fresh injury or suspensions concerns with a full squad available for selection.
Newcastle could be without Emil Krafth after the Swede suffered a shin injury in last Saturday’s draw against Wolves.
Federico Fernandez (hamstring) and Isaac Hayden (ankle) are also doubts but Javi Manquillo (ankle) is unlikely to be risked and could join Miguel Almiron (knee), Allan Saint-Maximin (groin), Fabian Schar (knee) and Callum Wilson (hamstring) on the sidelines.
Stat Attack
- West Brom are unbeaten in three of their last five league meetings against Newcastle (W2, D1, L2).
- Newcastle have won just one of their last five league trips to The Hawthorns (W1, D2, L2).
- West Brom have scored in five of their last six league meetings against Newcastle.
- Just one of Newcastle’s last nine goals have come from a defender – Jamaal Lascelles who put the Magpies ahead in last weekend’s draw against Wolves.
- Two of West Brom’s four goals at home under Sam Allardyce’s management have come from Kyle Bartley.
Prediction
West Brom’s defence has made considerable improvement in recent weeks and the team overall were able to match Everton in all areas on Thursday, even though a brief lapse of defensive concentration during set pieces cost them a point.
Newcastle meanwhile delivered a strong attacking display at home to Wolves last Saturday but often lacked the clinical touch, whilst Martin Dubravka was absolutely brilliant in their goal to provide a real selection headache for Steve Bruce in goal.
Finishing therefore feels like a key factor in this match but Almiron and Saint-Maximin’s absences are huge losses for the visitors in terms of creativity, which West Brom simply need to take advantage of if want a win.
Prediction: WBA 1-0 Newcastle
Result: WBA 0-0 Newcastle
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