West Brom host Newcastle United on Sunday at the Hawthorns in a massive six-point relegation clash. The Baggies are chasing Newcastle United in the standings and are nine points back.
A win for West Brom would actually be more beneficial for 18th-placed Fulham, who are just three points behind Newcastle United in the race for safety.
Heads up, lads. On to Sunday. Come on you Baggies! 👊 pic.twitter.com/HVnvkbVdPd— West Bromwich Albion (@WBA) March 4, 2021
Heads up, lads. On to Sunday. Come on you Baggies! 👊 pic.twitter.com/HVnvkbVdPd
Sam Allardyce’s team took five points from the last 18 on offer in the league. Their midweek 1-0 loss to Everton ended a run of three-games without defeat. The Baggies were close to getting an equaliser but Jordan Pickford’s stellar save denied what looked like a goal.
Newcastle United took seven points from the last 18 possible. They were outscored 10-8 by opponents over the course of those six fixtures.
The reverse fixture between the Magpies and Baggies ended in a 2-1 win for Steve Bruce’s team. Miguel Almiron scored in the first minute.
West Brom’s Darnell Furlong equalised just after halftime but Dwight Gayle scored the winner with eight minutes left on the clock.
Allardyce does not have any fresh injuries and can select from a full-strength squad this weekend at home. Bruce isn’t as lucky in the injury department.
Newcastle United typically have a long injury list and Bruce will have a compromised squad. Almiron will miss out on the game due to a knee injury.
Callum Wilson is out until April with a thigh muscle injury. Allan Saint-Maximin is also out after undergoing scans for a groin injury.
Defenders Javi Manquillo and Fabian Schar are both ruled out as well. Bruce could have the duo of Emil Krath and Federico Fernandez back from their injury problems.
West Brom have the Premier League’s worst home points total with 10 points from 42 possible. They are –24 in goal difference at home.
Newcastle United have the league’s third-worst away points total with 11 from 39 possible taken on their travels. They are –11 in goal difference.
Sunday’s game at the Hawthorns is a massive six-point affair. If West Brom get points, they could rescue their campaign or help Fulham save their season.A victory for Newcastle United would help push them away from the bottom three.
Although Bruce’s team have blown hot and cold, they should get a win away from home versus West Brom this weekend. It should be a low-scoring affair between too poor scoring teams as under 2.5 goals are scored.