It is no secret that Tony Pulis is notorious for his ability to keep struggling Premier League clubs from relegation. The Welshman's efforts and endeavours at Crystal Palace and Stoke City have solidified him as a 'go-to-guy' for Premier League survival. It comes as no great surprise then, that West Bromwich Albion survived last season, and are well on course to repeat that act this season.
Norwich struggling to survive
The same cannot be said for Norwich City FC who seem to be doomed to return to the Sky Bet Championship. The Canaries have managed just two points from their last 10 matches and are in desperate need of some inspiration; a positive January Transfer Window has left some fans with a sense of optimism however, with proven goal-scorer Stephen Naismith joining the ranks.
Pulis knows all too well the fighting spirit presented by relegation-battling clubs, and expects the same from Norwich in Saturdays Premier League matchup "Norwich are fighting for their lives so we know how tough our game tomorrow is going to be". In the reverse fixture it was West Brom who came out as victors, a 1-0 win at Carrow Road in October 2015.
After dispatching the likes of Machester United and Everton, and earning a well deserved point against league leaders Leicester City the mood at The Hawthorns has drastically altered. The 58-year-old manager stated that "we are in a good run of form and its been pleasing, we have played really well recently but we need to keep it going". West Brom have really turned it around after some embarrassing results in a turbulant FA Cup run.
Pulis has indicated that he believes England starlet Saido Berahino is a major factor in the turnaround "I think people are starting to realise how big a miss Saido has been. The dressing room has been delighted with his attitude."
West Brom injury report
Reflecting upon the Baggies injury list; the West Brom boss indicated that there are still a few names out of contention for the Norwich game, "James Morrison still isn't fit and we have one or two knocks ahead of the game on Saturday" with the likes of dynamic playmakers Chris Brunt and Callum McManaman sidelined also.
Gareth McAuley who is expected to start against Norwich has been a rock for West Brom this season, and Pulis explained that "I think the club are in discussions with Gareth McAuley about next season. He has been fantastic this season." McAuley pairs up with compatriot Jonny Evans for club and country, and they will look to keep a clean sheet against the lacklustre Canaries. If McAuley is chosen he will become the Baggies oldest fielded player in the Premier League era, aged at 36 years and 105 days old.
Northern Ireland's star centre-half Evans has his sights set forwards rather than looking backwards with nine games remaining, "We have nine games left and we want to finish top 10, that is the aim." "The highest points tally this club has in the Premier League is 49 and it would be nice to get to a stage where we can beat that record." These are high aspirations for the Midlands Club.
The game will be played at The Hawthorns at 15:00 GMT Saturday 19 March.