Newcastle vs. West Bromwich Albion – Match Preview.

Article by Newcastle Correspondent Sophie Hedley

Newcastle could go as high as fourth place if they win at home to West Brom, in what would be their fourth win in a row.

The Magpies play before Manchester United, Southampton and Manchester City and therefore, only a win for Everton could prevent a victorious Newcastle claiming fourth place.

West Brom will be hoping to improve against Newcastle, having let a two goal lead slip last week in the West Midlands derby which finished 2-2.

Newcastle go into this fixture with an almost fully fit squad, with winger Ryan Taylor the only long term casualty.

Defender Mathieu Debuchy is set to return having missed the win against Norwich due to a one game suspension. He is expected to replace either Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa or Mike Williamson in defence, with Yanga-Mbiwa being the most likely player to be dropped.

Otherwise, manager Alan Pardew is expected to name a similar line-up for a side who are in good form after wins against Chelsea, Tottenham and Norwich.

This means that Hatem Ben Arfa and low on confidence Papiss Cisse will have to settle for places on the bench once again, as striker Shola Ameobi continues to partner in-form Loic Remy up-front for the Toon.

However, Pardew believes competition for places is important for the club. He told nufc.co.uk:

“When you are winning games it is difficult to change it so it's a tough call for myself on that one.

“I've got really good players who aren't playing at the moment, and I try to do my very best to keep them in a good place for when they are going to be called upon. And when they are called upon, they need to grasp their opportunity.

“We have great assets on the bench most games now and they can make the difference.

“This game could certainly be won from the bench on Saturday because we've got major players on there and so have West Brom".

West Brom go into the game with a few minor injury concerns although manager Steve Clarke is keeping coy about who might be struggling to make it.

Defender Liam Ridgewell is hoping to return for the Baggies, after sitting out their game against Aston Villa with a calf injury.

Scott Sinclair and Billy Jones are both doubts with hamstring injuries, although they are nearing comebacks.

Goalkeeper Ben Foster remains a long term absentee for the Baggies after suffering a stress fracture of a bone in his right foot back at the end of August.

My Thoughts:

After the loss to Sunderland, it was all doom and gloom about Newcastle but after three really good wins, our mood has changed and most of us seem to be more optimistic about our season.

Although we’re favourites for this match, and victories against Chelsea and Spurs have proved we can beat anyone on our day, I do feel it might be a little bit unrealistic for us to win four consecutive games.

I don’t think West Brom will be a walkover, and with a thrashing at Anfield aside, they have improved of late.

With two 2-2 draws in a row for Albion, and the form of Loic Remy for us, I think this will be an attacking match with a few goals in it.

Shane Long could be a big threat as he’s showing some good form now he’s worked himself back into favour for the Baggies, but we have our stand out striker in Remy too, and he’s having a great run at the moment.

I’m predicting a draw for this fixture. Whilst I don’t doubt that we have it in us to beat West Brom, after the way last season panned out I’m starting to forget a time where we could go on a good run of form without any slip-ups, and four wins in a row seems even a bit too optimistic for me.

However, I’d be very happy to be proved wrong!

Predicted Newcastle Line-up:

Krul; Debuchy, Coloccini, Williamson, Santon; Cabaye, Tiote, Sissoko; Gouffran, Shola Ameobi, Remy

Score Prediction:

Newcastle 2-2 West Brom.

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