English Premier League, West Brom vs. Newcastle United Preview
Roberto Di Matteo, the West Bromwich Albion coach, has to check on the fitness of five players before he decides if they can play against Newcastle. Chris Brunt is a doubt with a groin strain, while Peter Odemwingie and Paul Scharner are out with knee injuries.
James Morrison has a back injury and Nicky Shorey is recovering from illness.
It is still not certain which of the players will be fit in time for the clash against Newcastle, but Di Matteo was hopeful. The West Brom boss said while speaking to reporters ahead of the match, “We are hoping that some of these players will be available
on Sunday.” Return of some of the players will be a big boost for the hosts and they prepare to take on a revived Newcastle side.
Joey Barton returns for Newcastle after serving a three match ban. The midfielder received a red card after he punched Morten Gamst Pederson during their fixture with Blackburn. Fabricio Coloccini and Mike Williamson recently signed long term contracts with
the club but are out though, both players are serving the second game of their three match ban.
Captain Kevin Nolan is sidelined with an ankle problem, while first choice goal keeper Steve Harper is a doubt following a shoulder injury. He has resumed training and like Leon Best, who is suffering from an ankle strain, seems to be close to making his
return. However, Ryan Taylor, Dan Gosling and Hatem Ben Arfa are sidelined for an indefinite period of time.
Match Facts
Five players have scored two goals each in the last seven meetings in all competitions between West Brom and Newcastle United.
Newcastle United have won six and lost none of their last eight meetings with West Brom in the Premier League.
West Brom have gone 3 hours and 50 minutes in the Premier League without scoring a goal at home.
Newcastle United have conceded five penalties, more than any other side in the Premier League this season.
Newcastle set a record of conceding the most penalties two years ago when they let in an astonishing nine penalties, the most by any Premier League side.
Newcastle have only had 22 offside calls this season, fewer than any other club in the Premier League.
Newcastle United have picked up 33 yellow cards this season. West Brom have received five red cards so far this season. Cheik Tiote has received a booking in six out of seven of his last appearances in the Premier League.
Andy Carroll has managed to score four goals in his side’s last five games in the Premier League. However, no other Newcastle player scored in those matches.
West Brom have used the most substitutes, over 44 substitutes, while Newcastle have only used 29, the fewest.
In their last 15 home games in the Premier League, West Brom have only managed to keep two clean sheets.
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