English Premier League, Aston Villa vs West Brom Preview
Aston Villa striker Emile Heskey returns to face West Brom after a seven match absence. The former England international had been out with a knee problem since a disappointing draw against Birmingham at Villa Park in October.
Villa manager Gerard Houllier confirmed that Heskey would feature against West Brom, along with Ashley Young, who missed the clash against Liverpool because of suspension. However Ciaran Clark picked up his fifth yellow card of the season , and will be suspended
for todays match.
Youssouf Mulumbu will return for West Brom after serving out his suspension. The midfielder's return will provide a huge boost to the Baggies. However fellow midfielder Chris Brunt’s training has been affected by his continuous groin problem, which makes
him a doubt for today.
Striker Peter Odemwingie has been suffering from a groin injury too, and has not been able to train with the rest of the squad this week. He picked up the injury during West Brom's defeat to Newcastle United, and it is still uncertain for today. He is currently
the top scorer for West Brom with six goals in the Premier League.
Match Facts
Aston Villa have been unbeaten in their last eight meetings with West Brom in the Premier League. They have had four wins and four draws.
In the 2008-09 season, James Morrison scored the third goal in both the games against Aston Villa.
West Brom have only managed to take 12 points from a possible 18 against Villa, which is fewer than any other side.
West Brom have failed to secure a win at Villa Park in the Premier League since 1979, which makes it a some 12 games without a win. They have lost seven games and drawn five times.
Aston Villa have a poor record at home this season in the Premier League, they have only managed one win in their last six matches at Villa Park in the Premier League.
West Brom have only recorded two wins in their last 24 away matches in the Premier League.
West Brom have not managed to keep a clean sheet in over 14 Premier League matches now.
This season West Brom are six points better off than they were at this stage in their four previous Premier League campaigns.
Scott Carson is the one player whose has featured for West Brom in every game this season, which is fewer than any other side in the Premier League.
Chris Brunt has scored or assisted half of West Brom’s last 16 goals in the Premier League.
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