It’s just over a month since West Brom and Newcastle met. The match at the Hawthorns ended 1-0 to the hosts, thanks to a late goal from Darren Fletcher.

Injury worries for Pulis

The Scot headed the Baggies ahead with just over 10-minutes remaining, however Saturday’s game is likely to be a different story.

Tony Pulis’ men are without a number of key figures, including James Morrison and Jonny Evans.

Morrison is set to be out for eight-weeks whereas Evans is set for three weeks on the side-lines after limping off the field with a hamstring injury during Tuesday night’s draw against Swansea City.

Must win clash

The game is huge for both sides; a win could take Newcastle, who are eight points shy of the visitors, out of the relegation zone.

However, it is also a massive match for Pulis. The West Brom boss faced a barrage of boos at the Hawthorns and must get his side back to winning ways.

The Baggies have failed to win in their last six away games, whereas Newcastle have just one win in their last six games.

Fletcher gives West Brom all three points at the Hawthorns.
Fletcher gives West Brom all three points at the Hawthorns.

Will Berahino feature?

It is likely to be an interesting game for Saido Berahino. If the youngster is to start, he’ll get a mixed reception from both crowds.

The striker handed in a transfer request in the summer transfer-window to push through a move to Tottenham Hotspur.

The move didn’t come off and Berahino stayed at the Hawthorns. The striker was that a recipient of a number of bids, including one of £21million from none other than Newcastle United.

An interesting sub-plot to an already important game

It is unclear whether Berahino actually wanted to move to St. James’ Park but the striker must now focus on keeping West Brom in the Premier League and finishing as high up the table as possible.

Although Steve McClaren failed to bring Berahino to the club, he did have a very successful window elsewhere. The Magpies managed to bring in Jonjo Shelvey, Andros Townsend and Seydou Doumbia.

The trio will be crucial if Newcastle are to secure survival, however the club’s failure to bring a proven Premier League scorer in may prove fatal.

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About the author
Eve Sayers
Sports journalism in Leeds. Write for A Love Supreme, Vavel and Give Me Sport.