Aston Villa vs West Brom: Premier League match preview

A look ahead to this weekend's Premier League fixture at Villa Park

(Getty Images)

West Bromwich Albion face local rivals, Aston Villa, in Tuesday evening’s clash on the back of three consecutive clean sheets in the league. With only three goals in their last 12 Premier League fixtures, Villa won’t welcome their in-form neighbours.

Since the arrival of Tony Pulis, West Brom’s form has risen, only losing once so far in 2015, including five clean sheets in their last seven games. Tim Sherwood’s arrival has failed to spark similar form and Villa have failed to record a win in the league since early December when they beat Leicester City.

Aston Villa have scored a woeful 13 goals all season and despite glimpses of improvement under new boss, Sherwood, the home side won’t be considered favourites in the clash with their rivals.

LIVE: Follow latest scores and key moments from tonight's Premier League action

Saido Berahino, who’s scored 11 goals so far this season for West Brom currently sits 6th in the Premier League top goal-scoring ranks and threatens to extend his tally at Villa Park. The striker limped off on Saturday against Southampton so his appearance may be doubtful.

The Villa captain, Ron Vlaar, has completed a ban but it remains uncertain whether or not he’ll feature with an injury concern.

The last time these two met, back in December, West Brom came through as winners thanks to a solitary goal. Although there have been changes in management for both sides, you get the feeling that it’s the visitors who have had a more positive change.

KICK-OFF: Tuesday, 7.45pm

PAST THREE MEETINGS…

West Bromwich Albion 1 (Gardner) Aston Villa 0 Premier League, December 2014

Aston Villa 4 (Weimann, Bacuna, Delph, Benteke) West Bromwich Albion 3 (Brunt, Delph OG, Mulumbu) Premier League, January 2014

West Bromwich Albion 2 (Long 2) Aston Villa 2 (Ahmadi, Westwood) Premier League, November 2013

STATS...

In each of their 17 Premier League encounters, the score-line has finished a draw or a victory with a one-goal margin.

Aston Villa have lost seven league matches in a row - their worst run for 52 years.

West Bromwich Albion are without a win in eight away games, drawing the last four.

In their most recent encounters, Villa have only won one in the last eight clashes.

ODDS...

Aston Villa to win: 7/5

West Brom to win: 2/1

Draw: 11/5

TV: Live on BT Sport 1 at 7.45pm